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5.0 from 6 votes

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad has layers of amazing Italian flavors. It is my go-to dish for barbecues and picnics. 

Prep Time
30 mins
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Salad , Lunch , Dinner , Others
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 box (16 ounces) penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
  • 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
  • 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of water until al dente; according to package directions. Drain water then rinse pasta under cold water to cool. Completely drain all water, then place pasta in a large bowl.
  2. Pour basil pesto and Italian dressing over the cooled pasta in bowl. Gently toss to combine.
  3. Add chicken, spinach leaves, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese to pasta. Gently toss to combine everything.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate tightly covered up to 8 hours before serving. Toss pasta salad before serving and add a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and pepper to each serving. Enjoy!