Make Ahead Chicken Penne Salad Recipes

MAKE-AHEAD CHICKEN TETRAZZINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente (if a range is given on the box, choose the shortest time, otherwise, cook it 1 minute less than the suggested time). Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter with the canola oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet and cook, turning once, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the cauliflower, onion and mushrooms to the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and the mushrooms are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over top and cook, stirring, until all of the flour has moistened, about 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer, stirring, until reduced by about half. Add the chicken broth and 1/4 cup water, increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring constantly, until simmering and slightly thickened. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan; stir to combine. Pour all of the sauce and vegetables into the pot with the pasta. Add the peas, thyme and green chiles. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. If not serving right away, let cool. Cover and refrigerate up to overnight.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake until hot and bubbling, about 45 minutes.

PENNE WITH CHICKEN, LEMON AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, until al dente. Drain well.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large grill pan over medium high and add chicken. Grill until golden and completely cooked. Remove to a plate and slice.
• Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to a saute pan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and saute until fragrant. Add the cooked pasta and turn heat off. Mix all together.
• Remove pasta to a large bowl. Add chicken to the warm pasta and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in chopped parsley. Add the juice of 2 lemons and mix. Before serving top with Parmesan.

MAKE-AHEAD CHICKEN PENNE SALAD

Steps:

• Honey-Thyme Dressing: Mix together; refrigerate. Salad: Combine pasta, chicken, celery, grapes, and onion in salad bowl. Toss with honey-thyme dressing 1-2 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, stir in most of walnuts, saving some to sprinkle on top.