This quick Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken uses the best homemade basil pesto made with five ingredients, so skip the deli counter.
INGREDIENTS
– 12 oz. uncooked pasta of choice– 3 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried thoroughly– 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving– 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped– 2 Tablespoons pine nuts, toasted – 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed– 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Add pasta and simmer for 10 minutes until al dente. Make pesto while pasta cooks.
Step 1
Mix basil, Parmesan, garlic, toasted pine nuts, kosher salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse ingredients till mixed.
Step 2
Slowly add olive oil to the food processor to purée the pesto, scraping down the sides as needed. If needed, add olive oil to smooth the pesto.
Step 3
Drain pasta and place in a big bowl. Add diced chicken and prepared pesto and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle Parmesan on top and serve.