Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Creating a delightful Pasta Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful one-dish meal that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying to eat. This recipe from lovewithrecipes.com combines tender rotini pasta with succulent chicken tenderloins, all brought together with a zesty Italian dressing for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 package rotini pasta
• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 bottle Italian dressing (use half for cooking chicken and reserve half for mixing with pasta)
• Spices (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

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   • Begin by cutting the chicken tenderloins and red pepper into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook Chicken and Peppers:

   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken tenderloins and red pepper pieces.
   • Pour half of the Italian dressing over the chicken and peppers in the skillet. Stir and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the peppers are tender.

3. Prepare Pasta:

   • While the chicken and peppers are cooking, boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions until it reaches a tender texture.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta well.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large casserole dish or mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken and pepper mixture, and any desired spices.

5. Add Dressing:

   • Pour the remaining half of the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
   • Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more spices if desired.

6. Chill and Serve:

   • Cover the casserole dish or bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
   • Serve chilled as a refreshing main dish or side salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 134.2
• Total Fat: 1.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 65.8mg
• Sodium: 77.5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1.1g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugar: 0.8g
• Protein: 26.5g

Tips for Making the Perfect Pasta Salad:

• Variety of Pasta: While rotini works well due to its spiral shape that holds dressing, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like bow ties or penne.
• Dressing: The Italian dressing not only adds flavor but also helps keep the salad moist. Feel free to use a homemade dressing for a more personalized touch.
• Add-Ins: Customize your pasta salad with additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese for extra texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead: Pasta salad tastes even better after it has had time to chill and let the flavors meld. Prepare it ahead of time for parties or gatherings.

This Pasta Salad recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled meats or seafood. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to please with its simplicity and delicious flavors.