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Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

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
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.