I’ll show you how to create a creamy pesto chicken pasta salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner – it takes just 20 minutes and combines tender pasta with savory chicken in a silky pesto-cream sauce. You’ll toss everything with cherry tomatoes and red peppers for freshness and crunch, creating a satisfying cold dish that actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. Keep scrolling to discover my foolproof techniques for perfect results every time.
Why You Will Love This Salad At Lunchtime (or Dinner)
Whether you’re rushing between meetings or settling in for a relaxed evening meal, this creamy pesto chicken pasta salad delivers precisely what you’re craving without the fuss. I love how it works double duty—fancy enough for dinner guests, yet practical enough to pack for tomorrow’s lunch. The creamy pesto coating means every bite bursts with flavor, while the chicken keeps you satisfied for hours. No reheating required, which honestly makes me question why we don’t eat more cold pasta dishes. It’s basically permission to be lazy while still eating something delicious and nutritious. Like other elevated salads, this dish emphasizes layers of flavor, texture, and protein that will keep you satisfied throughout your busy workday.
Recipe
Looking for a pasta salad that actually tastes good? This creamy pesto and chicken pasta salad comes together in about 20 minutes and delivers all the flavors you’re craving. The combination of tender pasta, savory chicken, and that irresistible pesto-cream sauce makes this dish feel indulgent while still being totally doable for lunch prep.
What makes this recipe special is how the creamy pesto coating clings to every piece of pasta, while the cherry tomatoes add little bursts of freshness and the red peppers bring a sweet crunch. You can eat it warm right off the stove or pack it up for tomorrow’s lunch – either way, you’re winning. The best part? No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients required. For those managing diabetes, consider swapping regular pasta for a lower-carb alternative and adding non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms to boost fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Pasta (amount as directed on package)
- Red pepper, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cooked chicken, diced
- Pesto
- Half and half
Equipment/Tools:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or pasta spoon
- Measuring cups
Instructions:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions – this usually takes about 8-12 minutes depending on the shape you’re using, so get that water boiling first.
While the pasta is doing its thing, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your chopped red pepper with the cherry tomatoes and diced chicken, giving everything a gentle toss so it’s evenly distributed. In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together the pesto and half and half until you have a smooth, creamy sauce that’s lighter in color than straight pesto but still packed with that herby goodness.
Once your pasta is perfectly al dente, drain it thoroughly in a colander – you don’t want excess water diluting that beautiful sauce.
Add the still-warm pasta to your creamy pesto mixture and stir everything together until each piece is completely coated in that luscious sauce.
Now toss in your vegetable and chicken mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to distribute everything evenly throughout the pasta.
Nutrition Information:
- High in protein from chicken
- Contains healthy fats from pesto
- Provides carbohydrates from pasta
- Good source of vitamins from vegetables
- Calcium from half and half
Tips:
Don’t skip the step of mixing the pesto with half-and-half first – this prevents the pesto from clumping up when it hits the warm pasta. If you’re meal prepping, this salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours because the flavors have time to meld together. You can easily swap the chicken for leftover rotisserie chicken or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. The pasta shape doesn’t matter much, but something with curves and ridges, like penne or rotini, will hold onto that creamy sauce better than smooth noodles.
Cooking Steps
I’ll walk you through these cooking steps that transform simple ingredients into pasta perfection. First, I get the pasta bubbling away according to package directions while I toss together the red pepper, cherry tomatoes, and chicken in a bowl—multitasking at its finest! Once I’ve whisked the pesto with half-and-half to create that dreamy creamy base, it’s just a matter of draining the pasta, stirring everything together, and deciding whether to devour it immediately or save it for tomorrow’s lunch. This cold lunch option requires no reheating and makes an excellent choice for school lunchboxes when packed with ice packs to keep everything fresh and cold.
Step 1. Cook Pasta per Package
First things first – let’s get that pasta dancing in some boiling water. I always follow the package instructions religiously because, trust me, there’s nothing worse than mushy pasta ruining your entire salad vibe. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (it should taste like the sea), and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta and give it an occasional stir to prevent it from sticking together. While it’s bubbling away happily, you’ll have perfect timing to prep everything else. This multitasking approach keeps things moving smoothly.
Step 2. Mix Vegetables and Chicken
While that pasta works its magic, grab a large mixing bowl and toss together your red pepper and cherry tomatoes with the chicken – this is where the salad really starts coming to life. I love this step because you’re creating the heart of your dish. The sweet tomatoes, crisp peppers, and tender chicken make quite the trio. Don’t be shy about mixing them thoroughly; you want every forkful to have that perfect balance. Think of it as introducing old friends at a dinner party – they’re all going to get along beautifully once everything comes together.
Step 3. Combine Pesto With Half-And-Half
Transform your humble jar of pesto into something absolutely luxurious by whisking it together with the half-and-half – this is where the magic happens, folks. I’m talking about creating a silky, dreamy sauce that’ll coat every strand of pasta like a green velvet glove. Don’t just dump them together; whisk with purpose! You want that cream to marry perfectly with the basil and garlic, creating a cohesive mixture that’s neither too thick nor too thin. The result? A restaurant-quality sauce that transforms ordinary pasta salad into something worthy of your fanciest dinner party.
Step 4. Drain and Stir Pasta
Grab that colander and give your pasta the freedom it deserves – a proper drain that’ll stop the cooking process in its tracks before it turns into mush. I’m talking about a thorough shake here, not some half-hearted tilt. Once you’ve banished every last drop of starchy water, it’s time for the magical reunion. Pour that silky pesto-cream mixture directly over your hot pasta and start stirring immediately. The warmth helps everything meld together beautifully, creating those gorgeous green-swirled ribbons that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. Don’t overthink it – stir and smile.
Step 4. Toss Everything Together Thoroughly
Now comes the fun part – bringing all your beautiful components together in one glorious, colorful mess that’ll have you questioning why you ever bothered with boring old plain pasta. I grab my largest mixing bowl and gently fold the creamy pesto-coated pasta with the vibrant red peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken pieces. The key here is being gentle yet thorough – you want everything evenly distributed without turning your pasta into mush. Use a large spoon or tongs to lift and fold, ensuring every strand gets its fair share of that creamy, herby goodness coating everything perfectly.
Creamy Pesto & Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-12 minutes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the pasta, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, in a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped red pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced chicken. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pesto and half and half until smooth and creamy. This will create a lighter sauce that coats the pasta well.
- Once the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander. Add the warm pasta to the pesto mixture and stir until each piece is coated in the sauce.
- Gently fold in the vegetable and chicken mixture into the pasta until everything is evenly distributed. Serve warm or chill for later.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Helpful Tips
Three simple tricks can elevate your Creamy Pesto & Chicken Pasta Salad from good to absolutely irresistible. First, I always let my pasta cool completely before adding the creamy pesto mixture—hot pasta turns your beautiful sauce into a greasy mess. Second, don’t skimp on seasoning; taste and adjust with salt and pepper because pasta absorbs flavors like a sponge. Finally, if you’re meal-prepping, pack the dressing separately and toss just before eating. Trust me, nobody wants soggy pasta salad that’s been swimming in sauce for three days. Your future self will thank you. For meal prep bowls, this pasta salad works beautifully as a protein-rich component that provides sustained energy throughout your workday.
Pairings
Speaking of making your future self happy, let’s discuss what pairs perfectly with this creamy pesto pasta salad. I’m partial to crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc—they cut through the richness without competing with the basil. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon works wonders. Side-wise, crusty garlic bread is obvious but brilliant, while a simple arugula salad adds peppery contrast. If you’re serving this at gatherings, consider pairing it with grilled vegetables or bruschetta. The beauty lies in its versatility—this pasta plays well with almost anything summery and fresh. For work lunches, pack this pasta salad in insulated containers with ice packs to keep it fresh throughout your day.
Summing it up
When all’s said and done, this creamy pesto chicken pasta salad proves that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that don’t overthink things. I’ve given you a dish that’s foolproof, flexible, and frankly delicious. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy weekdays or need something impressive for weekend gatherings, this pasta salad delivers. The beauty lies in its simplicity – cook pasta, mix everything, and you’re done. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. It’s comfort food that actually makes sense, and honestly, isn’t that exactly what we need in our kitchens? Pure, uncomplicated satisfaction. Just remember to properly clean your greens with a salad spinner to ensure your pasta salad has the freshest, crispiest lettuce possible.
