Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs penne (or large pasta of choice) or 1 1/2 lbs spiral pasta (or large pasta of choice); 2 -3 tablespoons oil; 2 plum tomatoes, chopped (Roma tomatoes); 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (can use more); salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste); 1/3 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; PESTO DRESSING; 1 cup prepared pesto sauce (use homemade or purchased, for a stronger flavor increase to 1-1/4 cups); 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (do not use salad dressing)

Servings: persons

1 1/2 lbs penne (or large pasta of choice) or 1 1/2 lbs spiral pasta (or large pasta of choice)
2 -3 tablespoons oil
2 plum tomatoes, chopped (Roma tomatoes)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (can use more)
salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
1/3 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
PESTO DRESSING
1 cup prepared pesto sauce (use homemade or purchased, for a stronger flavor increase to 1-1/4 cups)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (do not use salad dressing)

1
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente (do not overcook the pasta; drain in a colander then rinse well under cold water.
2
Drain the pasta well in the colander.
3
Place the pasta in a large bowl then toss with 2-3 tablespoons oil.
4
Add in chopped tomatoes and cooked cubed chicken; toss to coat.
5
For the dressing; in a processor puree the prepared pesto with the spinach and lemon juice.
6
Add in the mayonnaise and pulse until blended.
7
Add the mayo mixture to the pasta mixture; toss to combine.
8
Mix in the Parmesan cheese then season with salt and pepper.

1936

kcal

Calories

128

Fat

131

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.

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

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

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 lbs penne (or large pasta of choice) or 1 1/2 lbs spiral pasta (or large pasta of choice), 2 -3 tablespoons oil, 2 plum tomatoes, chopped (Roma tomatoes), 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (can use more), and more.

Yes, Italian 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.

Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad

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