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Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad in a white bowl garnished with basil and parmesan

Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

A quick and flavorful chicken pasta salad with basil pesto—perfect for meal prep, summer lunches, or picnic dishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish, Pasta Salad
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Base

  • Cooked rotini or penne pasta
  • Grilled chicken breast (shredded or diced) can be roasted or rotisserie
  • Fresh basil pesto

Mix‑ins

  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Baby spinach
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasoning & Finish

  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Shred or dice the grilled chicken breast.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, basil pesto, and olive oil. Toss until well coated.
  • Fold in cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes, or serve immediately.

Notes

Use ready‑made rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap spinach for arugula for a peppery kick. Not suitable for freezing.
Keyword 20-minute meals, basil pesto, chicken pasta salad, high-protein salad, meal prep, picnic food, quick lunch, summer recipes
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