Description
A vibrant and comforting Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad that combines fresh flavors, tender chicken, and delightful creaminess for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Shred the Chicken: Shred cooked chicken or grill/bake until cooked through and then shred.
- Prepare the Pesto: Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan until smooth or stir store-bought pesto.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and pine nuts.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parmesan and black pepper, drizzling with olive oil if desired.
Notes
Allow flavors to meld by making the salad ahead of time, and feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, chicken salad, pesto pasta, summer salad, easy recipes