Jalapeno and Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Elevate your pasta salad game with this vibrant and irresistible Jalapeño and Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad! Combining the rich, herbal creaminess of fresh basil pesto with the irresistible kick of sautéed jalapeños, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Tender, seasoned chicken, al dente penne pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crisp baby spinach create a hearty yet refreshing base, while grated Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers a delicious blend of spice, zest, and creamy goodness in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Fresh basil pesto
- 2 pieces Fresh jalapenos, finely chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups Baby spinach
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the chopped jalapenos. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, sautéed jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach.
Add the basil pesto to the bowl and toss everything together until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and gently toss again.
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
919 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.9 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.0 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 104 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 1546 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.6 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 47.0 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 442 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 703 mg | 15% | |
*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.
