Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces, weight Penne Or Rigatoni Pasta; 1-1/4 pound Chicken Tenders; 1 cup Sliced Celery; 3 Tablespoons Sliced Green Onions; 3/4 cups Craisins (Dried Cranberries); 2 ounces, weight Pine Nuts; 1 cup Reduced Fat Mayonnaise; 1/2 cups Reduced Fat Sour Cream; 4 Tablespoons Prepared Pesto; 1/2 teaspoons Pepper; 1/2 teaspoons Salt

Servings: persons

12 ounces, weight Penne Or Rigatoni Pasta
1-1/4 pound Chicken Tenders
1 cup Sliced Celery
3 Tablespoons Sliced Green Onions
3/4 cups Craisins (Dried Cranberries)
2 ounces, weight Pine Nuts
1 cup Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
1/2 cups Reduced Fat Sour Cream
4 Tablespoons Prepared Pesto
1/2 teaspoons Pepper
1/2 teaspoons Salt

1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Saute chicken in a medium skillet over medium heat until completely cooked (should take less than 5 minutes per side - just make sure the juices run clear). Set chicken aside and allow it to cool.
3
While chicken is cooling add celery, onion, Craisins, and pine nuts into a bowl. Set aside.
4
In another bowl mix mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, and pesto.
5
When you can comfortably handle the chicken chop it into small bite size pieces. Add chicken and celery mixture to the pesto mayo. Stir until all ingredients are completely incorporated.
6
In a large serving bowl, fold chicken mixture into noodles.
7
Serve, or cover and chill in the refrigerator.

932

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 12 ounces, weight Penne Or Rigatoni Pasta, 1-1/4 pound Chicken Tenders, 1 cup Sliced Celery, 3 Tablespoons Sliced Green Onions, and more.

Yes, Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions