Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad: Your Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Recipe
Few dishes offer the perfect blend of ease, versatility, and incredible flavor quite like a well-made pasta salad. And when you combine the rich, savory notes of smoked chicken with the fresh, peppery bite of arugula and the aromatic creaminess of pesto, you get something truly special. This smoked chicken pesto pasta salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that consistently leaves everyone asking for more and the bowl sparkling clean. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fantastic side dish for your BBQ, or a vibrant lunch option, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
Arugula, Pesto, and Smoked Chicken Pasta Salad: A Culinary Delight
We simply adore pasta salad. It’s my go-to when I’m short on time but craving something utterly delicious and satisfying. This isn’t just a basic pasta dish; it’s an incredibly versatile staple in our kitchen. Sometimes, it takes center stage as a vibrant side dish at our summer BBQs, perfectly complementing grilled meats and fresh vegetables. Other times, it transforms into a light yet fulfilling lunch or a comforting dinner, often paired with a fresh, crisp strawberry arugula and pistachio salad and a hearty slice of homemade ciabatta bread. Its adaptability means it can fit seamlessly into almost any meal plan or occasion.
What truly elevates this particular pasta salad is the exquisite interplay of its core ingredients. The smoked chicken introduces a delightful depth of flavor and a satisfying texture, offering a smoky, savory bite that stands out. The fresh arugula adds a refreshing, peppery kick, cutting through the richness and providing a lovely contrast. And then there’s the pesto – a vibrant, herbaceous, and creamy layer that beautifully coats every piece of pasta, harmoniously bringing all the diverse elements together. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures in every forkful.
This pasta salad with smoked chicken isn’t just quick to prepare; it’s universally loved by everyone who tries it. It has become one of those cherished recipes that consistently receives rave reviews, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family meals, friendly gatherings, or simply a treat for yourself. Its winning combination of ease and irresistible flavor ensures it’s always a popular choice!
Why This Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Will Become Your Favorite
There are countless reasons why this particular pasta salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Beyond its delightful taste, it offers unmatched convenience and a sophisticated flavor profile that belies its simple preparation.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a casual potluck with friends, a quick weeknight family dinner, or simply looking for a fantastic meal prep option, this pasta salad is incredibly versatile. It travels well, tastes even better the next day, and can be served at room temperature, making it ideal for events where refrigeration might be limited.
A Harmony of Flavors and Textures
- Smoked Chicken: The star of the show, offering a depth of smoky, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s substantial and satisfying, turning a simple salad into a hearty meal.
- Fresh Arugula: Its distinctive peppery notes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and pesto, adding a bright, slightly bitter edge that keeps the palate interested.
- Vibrant Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, pesto binds everything together with its herbaceous, garlicky, and nutty creaminess. It’s the sauce that truly ties the whole ensemble into a cohesive, delicious unit.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add bursts of concentrated sweet and tangy notes, enhancing the Mediterranean feel of the salad.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: A crucial element for texture, providing a delightful crunch and a subtle, buttery richness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal cooking required – essentially just boiling pasta and lightly toasting pine nuts – you can have this flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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📖 Recipe Card
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Italian
4 persons
566 kcal
Ingredients
- 10 sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ pound smoked chicken
- 1 pound pasta
- 4 tablespoons pine nuts
- 4 tablespoons green pesto
- 3 oz. arugula
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Cut the smoked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes into small cubes.10 sun-dried tomatoes, ½ pound smoked chicken
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Cook the pasta al dente according to the manufacturer’s instructions.1 pound pasta
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Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts to golden brown in a dry skillet.4 tablespoons pine nuts
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Drain the pasta and stir the pesto through.4 tablespoons green pesto
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Mix the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes with the pasta.
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Just before serving, add the arugula to the pasta salad so it stays fresh.3 oz. arugula
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Sprinkle the pine nuts on top.
Notes
2. Pasta: While fusilli is fantastic for catching the pesto, other short pasta shapes like farfalle (bow-tie pasta) or penne are also excellent choices for their texture and ability to hold the sauce.
3. Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
- Freezer: You might wonder about freezing pasta salad, as the texture can change slightly. However, it’s a great option for future quick meals! To enjoy, simply freeze portions in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw and then fry the pasta salad in a pan with a little olive oil until heated through. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and perhaps a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce, and you’ll have a delightful, comforting pasta dish for dinner!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 91g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 1mg
Sodium: 160mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 858IU
Vitamin C: 5mg
Iron: 3mg
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