Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and hearty Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Tender penne pasta, juicy pan-seared chicken, and fresh baby spinach come together in a creamy basil pesto sauce, while bursts of sweetness from cherry tomatoes and the creamy richness of mozzarella pearls add irresistible layers of texture and taste. Finished with golden, toasty pine nuts and fragrant fresh basil leaves, this easy-to-make salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s an ideal dish for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches, ready in just 35 minutes. Indulge in this basil-forward pasta salad that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breast
- 1 cup basil pesto sauce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves.
Add the basil pesto sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in pesto.
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad and gently toss one last time.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours for a cold pasta salad. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
813 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.9 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1101 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 52.5 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 339 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 637 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
