Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the rolling hills of Italy with this mouthwatering Tuscan Chicken Pasta Salad that's about to become your new summer obsession! Imagine a perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, burst of fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all dancing together in a zesty Italian dressing. This isn't just another pasta salad - it's a culinary adventure that will make your friends and family beg for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the black olives. If using fresh mozzarella balls, you can leave them whole or halve them as well.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Allow it to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh basil.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add more Italian dressing for extra flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and check the seasoning. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken and let it cool completely before mixing.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture - remember, it will continue to absorb dressing while chilling.
- Use high-quality Italian dressing or make your own for an extra flavor punch.
- Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors fully develop.
- For a gourmet touch, use fresh mozzarella balls and tear fresh basil leaves just before serving.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- For added texture, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding sun-dried tomatoes as optional mix-ins.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
