Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenders; 1 lb spiral shaped pasta (can use tri colored); 2 cups fresh basil, packed; 1 cup tomatoes, chopped, seeds and juice removed; ½ cup olive oil, divided; ½ cup parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons pine nuts; 2 tablespoons pine nuts (for peston sauce); 1 garlic clove, peeled; 1 lemon, zest of; 1 lemon, juice of

Servings: persons

2 lbs chicken tenders
1 lb spiral shaped pasta (can use tri colored)
2 cups fresh basil, packed
1 cup tomatoes, chopped, seeds and juice removed
½ cup olive oil, divided
½ cup parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons pine nuts (for peston sauce)
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 lemon, zest of
1 lemon, juice of

1
Process the garlic and 2 tbsp of pine nuts in food processor for 30 seconds.
2
Add basil and parmesan, process while drizzeling in 1/3 cup olive oil until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Should be paste like consistency.
4
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil over medium-mediumhigh.
5
Season chicken strips with salt and pepper and place in heated skillet.
6
Cook strips 8 minutes turning once, or until golden and cooked through.
7
Remove and let stand a couple of minutes.
8
While chicken is cooking, cook pasta according to package details.
9
Save 1 cup pasta water and drain remainder.
10
Transfer noodles to large bowl to cool to room temperature.
11
Once chicken has had time to cool, chop strips into chuncks or can leave whole.
12
Add chicken, tomatoes, remaining pine nuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, dash of salt and pepper, and 1/4 cup pesto sauce to pasta.
13
Add a couple tbsp of pasta liquid to thin sauce as you toss all ingredients together.
14
Depending on your sauce preference, more liquid can be added and tossed.
15
When desired consistency, toss and serve as is with grated parmesan cheese or over a bed of chopped romaine.

1329

kcal

Calories

Fat

106

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.

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: 2 lbs chicken tenders, 1 lb spiral shaped pasta (can use tri colored), 2 cups fresh basil, packed, 1 cup tomatoes, chopped, seeds and juice removed, and more.

Yes, Pesto Pasta Chicken 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!

Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions