Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad is not just another recipe - it's a mouthwatering journey of Italian-inspired flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Imagine a perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and vibrant vegetables, all harmoniously dressed in a zesty Italian dressing that promises to elevate your meal from simple to sensational.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of bowtie pasta, 1 cup of cooked chicken (diced), 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup of black olives (sliced), 1/4 cup of red onion (diced), 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already done, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, and finely dice the red onion.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bowtie pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- For best results, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta prevents the salad from becoming mushy when mixed with dressing.
- Cool pasta completely: Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Use cold or room temperature ingredients for the best flavor melding.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Use high-quality Italian dressing or make your own for a more personalized touch.
- If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain pasta texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
