Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 13
Delicious Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad recipe for a summertime meal
in Pastaalad

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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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
1 cup prepared pesto sauce ( use homemade or purchased , for a stronger flavor increase to 1-1/4 cups )
1 package frozen chopped spinach ( thawed and squeezed dry )
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ( do not use salad dressing )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
551
Sugar
4g
Fat
30g
Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing meal that is perfect for summertime. This salad is a twist on the classic pasta salad, with the addition of pesto sauce and cooked chicken. The flavors are bright and playful, with a perfect balance of tangy and savory. This pasta salad is perfect for those days when you want to have a light yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed cold. Serve it as a side dish or as the main course with a slice of crusty bread or a side of vegetables. This recipe is simple to make and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Instructions

1.Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool under cold running water.
2.In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped tomatoes, spinach, and cooked chicken.
3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the pesto sauce, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
4.Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
5.Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top and serve chilled.

PROS

This Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad is a complete meal in itself, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

The pesto sauce adds a delicious and unique flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.

This salad is perfect for summertime, as it can be prepared ahead and served chilled, making it a great option for picnics and other outdoor gatherings.

CONS

This pasta salad contains mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, which are high in fat and calories.

It should be eaten in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad is loaded with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The spinach provides a healthy dose of iron, while the chicken is a great source of lean protein.
The pesto sauce contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil, as well as antioxidants from the basil.

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