Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Recipes

CHICKEN AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water., Combine hummus, salad dressing, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add pasta; toss to coat. Stir in spinach, chicken, tomatoes and olives. Sprinkle with feta. Serve immediately.

CHICKEN SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND SPINACH RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Cook the pasta in boiling salted water following the package directions; drain and rinse well. Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, chop the spinach leaves coarsely and diced the red bell pepper half.
• Toss the cooled and drained pasta with the spinach, red bell pepper, tomato halves, onion, garlic, and chicken.
• Combine 1 cup of the mayonnaise with wine vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, pepper, and basil.
• Toss the dressing mixture with the pasta mixture. Add more mayonnaise, if needed. Taste and add salt, as needed. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving time for best flavor.

CHEESY DITALINI WITH CHICKEN AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs, then drain.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and thyme and cook until softened. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, for 2 minutes, then whisk in the broth and milk. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the chicken, spinach and pasta and cook to heat through. Stir in the gruyère and season with salt and pepper. Divide among 4 bowls and top with toasted breadcrumbs.

CHEESY CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• This ooey-gooey pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike-think rich and creamy macaroni-and-cheese tossed with cauliflower and chicken. Serve with a spinach salad.;
• 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Add cauliflower florets and cook until the pasta and florets are tender, about 4 minutes more. Drain, rinse and return to the pot.
• 2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine and cook until reduced slightly, about 1 minute. Whisk milk, flour, salt and pepper together in a medium bowl and add to the pan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese until smooth. Stir chicken (or turkey) and mustard into the cheese sauce; cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
• 3. Stir the sauce into the drained pasta and cauliflower. Serve sprinkled with chives (or scallion greens).
• NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 433 calories; 13 g fat (5 g sat, 5 g mono); 75 mg cholesterol; 42 g carbohydrate; 34 g protein; 5 g fiber; 491 mg sodium; 483 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (38% daily value), Calcium (35% dv), Potassium (20% dv). 2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 low-fat milk, 3 lean meat
• TIP: To poach chicken breasts, place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a medium skillet or saucepan. Add lightly salted water to cover and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 12 minutes.
• From www.eatingwell.com with permission. 2009 Eating Well Inc. Photo by Ken Burris