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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    By Amy · Published: Apr 29, 2014 · Updated: Jun 23, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy 3 Comments

    Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad

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    By using leftover or a store bought rotisserie chicken, this Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is not only healthy… it’s a SNAP to make!

    Cooked penne pasta with chicken, tomatoes and pesto in a decorative square white bowl.

    Whenever it comes to a combination of chicken, pesto and cheese… I’m all-in.  Add some pasta to it and I’m diving into it like a champ!

    Overhead view of caprese chicken pasta salad garnished with fresh basil in a white square bowl.

    This recipe uses prepared pesto instead of fresh basil leaves (although I used fresh basil for garnish).  What’s so easy is that you can use prepared basil pesto from a jar or make your own homemade pesto if you have a lot of basil growing.  Although I don’t have a green thumb, I’ve always had good luck with basil and LOVE making homemade pesto with it.

    Pasta with chicken, sliced cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella and pesto in a white bowl with a spoon.

    Another shortcut is to use leftover chicken or the meat from a ready-made rotisserie chicken.

    When cooked rotisserie chickens are on sale for $4.98… YES, of course I’m going to buy it over buying an uncooked one at the same price or more!

    Sliced cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, a bowl of pesto and a bowl of balsamic vinaigrette on a wood cutting board.

    And if you opt not to add chicken, that’s fine too.  These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to add to the pasta you choose to use:  tomatoes, pesto, mozzarella cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

    A simple, healthy and complete dinner made in a snap!

    Print
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    Chicken pasta salad in a square white bowl by a striped kitchen towel.

    Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad


    ★★★★

    4 from 1 reviews

    • Total Time: 22 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings
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    Ingredients

    For the balsamic vinaigrette:

    • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 heaping teaspoon minced fresh garlic

    For the pasta salad:

    • 12 ounces pasta, cooked according to package directions (I used penne pasta)
    • ⅔ cup prepared basil pesto
    • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
    • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
    • 2 ½ cups cups fully cooked cubed or shredded chicken
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil and minced garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
    2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
    3. Transfer pasta to a large bowl and add pesto. Stir gently until well coated. Add chicken, tomatoes, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir gently again to combine.
    4. Add desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette to each serving.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 12 minutes
    • Category: Pasta
    • Method: Boil
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: caprese chicken pasta salad

    Adapted from Closet Cooking and Simply Scratch

    HUNGRY FOR MORE?

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      Pea Pasta Salad
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      Red Potato Salad
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Michael@ItalianCuisineSanDiego says

      March 17, 2015 at 2:31 am

      I love its Flavour…
      Its a Healthy yummy pasta with the fully cooked cubed or shredded chicken…
      Salt and pepper’s tastes makes it classy
      I Think it is 10/on 10….
      love it

      ★★★★

      Reply
    2. Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says

      May 02, 2014 at 11:38 am

      This is the perfect summer cook-out salad. Totally saving this one.

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        May 02, 2014 at 1:44 pm

        Thanks Valerie! 🙂 We sure did enjoy it!

        Reply

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    Hey, I'm Amy Brinkley! Welcome to my online kitchen. I love cooking simple, family-friendly recipes with everyday ingredients.

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