ITALIAN CHICKEN-PESTO PASTA SALAD

Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad image

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories Penne

Time 20m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 lbs penne (or large pasta of choice) or 1 1/2 lbs spiral pasta (or large pasta of choice)
2 -3 tablespoons oil
2 plum tomatoes, chopped (Roma tomatoes)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (can use more)
salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
1/3-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup prepared pesto sauce (use homemade or purchased, for a stronger flavor increase to 1-1/4 cups)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (do not use salad dressing)

Steps:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente (do not overcook the pasta; drain in a colander then rinse well under cold water.
Drain the pasta well in the colander.
Place the pasta in a large bowl then toss with 2-3 tablespoons oil.
Add in chopped tomatoes and cooked cubed chicken; toss to coat.
For the dressing; in a processor puree the prepared pesto with the spinach and lemon juice.
Add in the mayonnaise and pulse until blended.
Add the mayo mixture to the pasta mixture; toss to combine.
Mix in the Parmesan cheese then season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 597.3, Fat 23.7, SaturatedFat 4.3, Cholesterol 41.4, Sodium 432.9, Carbohydrate 80.7, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 3.7, Protein 18.7