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An overhead image of a bowl of chicken pesto pasta salad with basil and tomatoes around it.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Grilled chicken pesto pasta salad made with plump, juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan over pasta. It's easy recipe and delicious salad hot or cold!
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Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: chicken pesto pasta, Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 2323kcal
Author: Karen

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 lb farfalle pasta
  • ½ cup prepared pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup fresh sliced basil
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Prepare grill or grill pan to cook chicken over direct medium-high heat. 
  • While the grill is getting set, brush the chicken with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until juices run clear and the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Remove from grill, and allow to cool.
  • Meanwhile, boil a large pot of water and prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
  • Toss the pasta together with pesto, tomatoes, basil and Parmesan cheese.
  • Slice the chicken into thin strips and place on top of the pasta with additional parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.
  • This pasta can be served warm or cooled and is delicious either way.

Notes

  • Use REAL ingredients that are high quality. If you're thinking about reaching for powdered Parmesan that has an infinite shelf life...think again. Choosing a block of Parmesan and taking an extra few minutes to grate it will REALLY take this pasta salad to the next level!
  • For perfect grill marks on your chicken. Cook it on each side without peaking or moving the chicken around.
  • Make fresh homemade pesto for the best flavor rather than relying on storebought.
  • Cook the pasta just until al dente. This leaves the pasta with a little bite so you don't end up with mushy pasta.

Nutrition

Calories: 2323kcal | Carbohydrates: 339g | Protein: 155g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 289mg | Sodium: 1715mg | Potassium: 2684mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 8mg
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