Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is fresh, hearty, and packed with bold basil flavor in every bite. Tender chicken is served over cheese tortellini coated in rich pesto sauce with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and savory sun-dried tomatoes for the perfect balance of freshness and comfort. It’s an easy make-ahead meal that works perfectly for lunches, summer dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or BBQ gatherings. With creamy pesto and juicy chicken throughout, this pasta salad is both satisfying and incredibly flavorful.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is loaded with chicken, tortellini, pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil flavor.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 20 oz cheese tortellini
• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
• For the Pesto Dressing
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until tender.
2. Drain the tortellini and rinse gently under cold water until completely cooled.
3. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for several minutes before slicing into strips.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
8. Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
9. Arrange the sliced chicken over the pasta salad and sprinkle with fresh basil.
10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
11. Toss lightly again before serving and garnish with extra Parmesan or pine nuts if desired.

Notes

• Cook tortellini just until tender to avoid overly soft pasta.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Use freshly made or high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
• Rinse the tortellini gently so it cools without tearing.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add rich savory flavor and balance the pesto.
• Chill the salad before serving so the flavors blend together.
• Add extra olive oil if the pasta absorbs too much dressing while chilling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled as a complete lunch or dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables.
• Bring to potlucks, picnics, or BBQ gatherings.
• Pair with soup or salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Enjoy as meal prep throughout the week.

Tips

• Toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
• Use fresh basil right before serving for the brightest flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Toast pine nuts lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
• Slice chicken evenly for better presentation.
• Reserve a little pesto dressing to refresh leftovers later.
• Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

Serves: 6 people

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 520 per serving
Protein: 30g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 640mg

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is excellent for preparing ahead because the pesto flavor becomes even richer after chilling. You can make it several hours ahead or even the night before serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator and toss it again before serving. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, simply add a little extra pesto or olive oil to refresh the salad.

What type of pesto works best for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto is the most popular choice because it gives the salad its bright and savory flavor. Homemade pesto usually provides the freshest taste, but high-quality store-bought pesto works very well too. You can also experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or arugula pesto for different flavor variations.

Can I serve this pasta salad warm?
Yes, although it’s commonly served chilled, this salad can also be enjoyed slightly warm. Freshly cooked tortellini mixed with pesto and warm sliced chicken creates a comforting meal with rich flavor. If serving warm, add delicate ingredients like basil and mozzarella at the end so they stay fresh and soft.

How long does Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this pasta salad stays fresh for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors continue developing over time, making leftovers especially delicious. Before serving leftovers, toss the salad again and add extra pesto or olive oil if needed to refresh the texture.

What proteins work well besides chicken?
This recipe is very versatile and pairs well with grilled shrimp, salmon, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Rotisserie chicken is also a quick and easy substitute that saves time while still adding great flavor and protein to the salad.

Conclusion

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is fresh, flavorful, and packed with creamy pesto, tender chicken, and colorful ingredients that make every bite satisfying. Perfect for meal prep, summer gatherings, or easy lunches and dinners, this hearty pasta salad combines rich Italian-inspired flavors with refreshing textures in one delicious bowl. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.