Description
A fresh and vibrant Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad that comes together in just 25 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and tossed in creamy pesto, it’s perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
8 oz rotini or penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
1/3 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt (optional for creamier texture)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, stir together the pesto and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (if using) until smooth.
- Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan cheese and pine nuts (if using), then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill the salad for 10–15 minutes before serving or serve immediately.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Use grilled shrimp or leftover turkey as a substitute for chicken.
Swap in different pasta shapes like bowtie or fusilli.
Add extra veggies like baby spinach, roasted red peppers, or green beans.
Make it dairy-free by omitting mozzarella and Parmesan and using a dairy-free pesto.
Stir in olive oil or extra pesto if the pasta absorbs too much sauce after refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
