Lemony Pesto Pasta Salad With Chicken Recipe

Name: Lemony Pesto Pasta Salad With Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 lb short-cut pasta, cooked al dente (such as penne or rotini); 1 lb chicken breasts or 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 large ripe tomatoes; 2 ounces baby arugula; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 anchovy fillets (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ⅓ cup prepared pesto sauce; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ tablespoon Cavenders All Purpose Greek Seasoning or ½ teaspoon salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp oregano

Servings: persons

12 lb short-cut pasta, cooked al dente (such as penne or rotini)
1 lb chicken breasts or 1 lb chicken tenders
1 large ripe tomatoes
2 ounces baby arugula
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 anchovy fillets (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
⅓ cup prepared pesto sauce
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ tablespoon Cavenders All Purpose Greek Seasoning or ½ teaspoon salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp oregano

1
Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
2
Combine the marinade ingredients in a quart-size zip-top bag, add the chicken pieces, press out as much air as possible and seal.
3
Set aside to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
4
While the chicken is marinating:.
5
Put the cooked pasta in a large salad bowl.
6
Core and dice the tomato and add it to the salad bowl.
7
Roughly chop the arugula and add it to the salad bowl.
8
Finely mince the anchovies, if using, and stir them into the pesto.
9
Pour the marinated chicken into a colander set in the sink and allow the marinade to drain off for a couple minutes.
10
In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
11
Put the chicken pieces in the skillet without crowding them.
12
Cook in two batches if necessary.
13
Cook, stirring infrequently, until the pieces are browned and cooked through.
14
Transfer the chicken to the salad bowl and toss.
15
(You don't want the hot chicken sitting right on top of the arugula or it will wilt.
16
Tossing will cool the chicken enough to prevent this.
17
).
18
Turn the heat off and add the fresh lemon juice, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan until all the browned bits have been scraped up and the liquid is starting to thicken.
19
Stir the pan sauce in to the pesto.
20
Add the pesto to the salad bowl and toss thoroughly.
21
For best flavor, allow the salad to rest for 30 minutes and serve at room temperature.

5350

kcal

Calories

Fat

1011

Carbs

213

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

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

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 lb short-cut pasta, cooked al dente (such as penne or rotini), 1 lb chicken breasts or 1 lb chicken tenders, 1 large ripe tomatoes, 2 ounces baby arugula, and more.

Yes, Lemony Pesto Pasta Salad With Chicken 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!

Lemony Pesto Pasta Salad With Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions