Asian Chicken and Pasta Salad 🥗
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Asian Chicken and Pasta Salad
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Description: This delightful recipe, discovered in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, has earned its stripes in the prized tested recipe section. It’s a go-to dish that consistently wows guests, prompting requests for the recipe time and time again. Versatile and adaptable, feel free to add your own twist by incorporating ingredients like mangoes, cucumbers, or romaine hearts. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that’ll make you feel like a culinary pro!
Recipe Metadata:
- Category: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Asian, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 30 Mins
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 50
- Calories: 348.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 9.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 54.7mg
- Sodium Content: 658.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.6g
- Fiber Content: 3.7g
- Sugar Content: 15.3g
- Protein Content: 24.9g
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Reduced-sodium chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Reduced sodium soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic cloves | 1 |
| Fresh ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 12 ounces |
| Angel hair pasta | 4 ounces |
| Nectarines | 3 |
| Baby bok choy | 2 |
| Green onions | 2 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together reduced-sodium chicken broth, reduced sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, minced garlic cloves, fresh ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper until the mixture is very well combined.
-
Poach Chicken:
- In a large saucepan, bring water to a gentle simmer. Add boneless skinless chicken breasts and poach for 12-15 minutes, covered, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Once cooked, drain the chicken and let it cool slightly before cutting it into bite-size pieces.
-
Cook Pasta:
- While the chicken is poaching, cook angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with 3 tablespoons of the prepared dressing.
-
Assemble Salad:
- Plate up the dressed pasta on 4 plates, dividing it evenly. Top each plate with the poached chicken pieces, sliced nectarines, chopped baby bok choy, and thinly sliced green onions.
-
Serve:
- Drizzle the assembled salads with the remaining dressing, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this Asian Chicken and Pasta Salad as a satisfying main course or as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite Asian-inspired entrees.
- For added freshness and crunch, consider garnishing with chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.
- Pair it with a refreshing iced green tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.
Tips for Success:
- To save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-packaged baby bok choy.
- Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Make extra dressing and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to use for future salads or as a marinade for grilled meats.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 348.9
- Fat: 9.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 54.7mg
- Sodium: 658.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 42.6g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugar: 15.3g
- Protein: 24.9g
Final Thoughts:
Asian Chicken and Pasta Salad is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering with friends and family, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with its healthy ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a win-win for both taste and convenience. Try it out today and experience the culinary magic for yourself! 🌟
