Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a delightful culinary journey with our Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad recipe! 🍽️ Perfect for those busy days or when you simply crave a refreshing yet satisfying meal, this dish combines the goodness of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the rich flavors of pesto sauce, all tossed together with al dente penne pasta. Let’s dive into the recipe and create some culinary magic!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Green beans | 150g |
| Penne pasta | 200g |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Pesto sauce | 1 cup |
| Chicken breast | 2 |
| Cherry tomatoes | 10 |
| Black olives | As desired |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 517.5
- Fat: 15.8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 12.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 88.5g
- Fiber: 14.8g
- Sugar: 3.4g
- Protein: 9.7g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by dropping the green beans into a pot of boiling water seasoned with a pinch of salt. Let them blanch for about a minute to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Once done, remove them from the water and set aside.
-
-
Cook the Pasta:
- In the same pot of boiling water, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
-
Toss with Olive Oil and Pesto:
- To infuse the pasta with flavor, drizzle it with olive oil and add the luscious pesto sauce. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that each pasta piece is coated with the delightful pesto goodness.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Now, let’s focus on the star of our dish – the chicken breast. Tear the chicken into bite-sized chunks, ensuring to remove any excess fat, skin, or bones. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
-
Combine Everything:
- Stir the seasoned chicken into the pasta along with the blanched green beans and halved cherry tomatoes. This step not only adds color but also introduces a burst of freshness to the dish.
-
Add the Finishing Touch:
- If desired, slice and pit the black olives and sprinkle them generously over the pasta salad. The olives not only provide a pop of flavor but also contribute to the dish’s visual appeal.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad to a serving bowl and let your taste buds rejoice! Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, this versatile dish is sure to tantalize your palate with every forkful.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For a heartier option, top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of indulgence.
Final Thoughts:
With its vibrant colors, robust flavors, and wholesome ingredients, our Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad is a celebration of freshness and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a summer potluck, packing a picnic lunch, or simply craving a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some culinary magic together! 🌟 Enjoy!
