Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken, Asparagus, and Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces of penne pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed; 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup of pine nuts; 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves; 2 cloves of garlic; 1/2 cup of mayonnaise; 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; 1/4 cup of olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

This creamy pesto pasta salad with chicken, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes is a delicious and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender grilled chicken, crunchy asparagus, tangy cherry tomatoes, and creamy pesto dressing will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. It's easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light and satisfying main course. With a preparing time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for pasta salad lovers.

Ingredients

8 ounces of penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of pine nuts
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup of Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/4 cup of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from the boiling water and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.
In a food processor, combine the Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, fresh basil, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, grilled chicken, blanched asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the ingredients and toss until well coated.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy your creamy pesto pasta salad with chicken, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes!

Interesting Facts

Pesto sauce originated in Genoa, Italy and traditionally consists of basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil.

This recipe can be easily customized by adding or substituting vegetables like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.

You can make the creamy pesto dressing ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the salad, but you can also bake or pan-fry it.

Leftovers of this pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.