Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
404 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad features pasta cooked to al dente then cooled to stop cooking, ensuring a firm bite. The dressing is a blend of Italian salad dressing, plain Greek yogurt, and pesto sauce, which creates a creamy, tangy base infused with herbal notes from pesto and basil. The chicken breast is seasoned with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, pan-seared until cooked through and sliced for even distribution.
Cherry tomatoes contribute sweetness and a slight crunch, while shredded Parmesan adds a nutty, savory dimension. Fresh basil leaves bolster the dish's herbaceous flavor. The salad is a harmonious mixture of textures and tastes with creamy dressing, tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables.
This dish serves well chilled or at room temperature and works for a variety of occasions including meals on the go, picnics, or family lunches. It balances protein, starch, and veggies in one bowl. The choice of pasta can be adapted, including gluten-free or whole grain varieties, and dairy-free substitutes are possible by adjusting yogurt and cheese.
Substitutions can include different pasta types, cooking oils, or tomatoes depending on preference or dietary needs. The dressing can be homemade or store-bought, providing flexibility in preparation.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta gluten-free if needed or whole grain
- 2/3 cup Italian salad dressing homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup yogurt plain, Greek
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce homemade, or store-bought
- 1/4 cup basil fresh leaves
- 1/2 cup cherry tomato halved
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
For chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast sliced in half on lengthwise to cook faster, boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste, ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook 16 ounces Pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked to al dente. Once cooked, drain well in a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup Italian salad dressing, 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt, and 1/2 cup Pesto Sauce until smooth.
- Rub the 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast with seasonings ( 1 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper) and 1 tablespoon Olive oil. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, then flip and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes more (depending on the cooked chicken to a chopping board and slice.
- Cut the 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes in half and set aside. To a large salad bowl, add the cooked pasta, 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, shredded chicken, and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle 1/3 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese and pour the dressing on top, toss well to coat.
- Garnish with some more parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any preferred pasta, including gluten-free or whole grain; lentil or chickpea pasta works for lower carb needs.
- For dairy-free options, substitute yogurt with a dairy-free version and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Homemade or store-bought pesto sauces can be used according to convenience.
- Avocado oil can replace olive oil for cooking chicken if preferred.
- Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and texture, but other tomatoes can be substituted.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 404 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 404kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 620mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 274mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 447IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 95mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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