Description
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant pesto that brings summer flavors to your table. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or casual meals, this dish is both easy to make and visually appealing. With fresh ingredients and rich flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
- While the chicken cooks, boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Once the chicken cools slightly, slice it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken with drained pasta and pesto. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve with extra basil or Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg