Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad, a delectable dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy dressing. This versatile salad serves as a satisfying main course or a delightful side dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
In addition to the main recipe, we also offer variations to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, our meatless version replaces chicken with roasted vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful salad. For those seeking a creamy and indulgent experience, our Alfredo sauce variation adds a luscious and velvety touch to the dish. And for a lighter and refreshing option, our lemon vinaigrette dressing brings a burst of citrusy brightness to the salad.
Each variation is meticulously crafted to deliver a unique culinary experience, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad and its variations will guide you through the process with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you feeling satisfied and delighted.
CHEESY DITALINI WITH CHICKEN AND SPINACH
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
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.
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1148 kcal, Carbohydrate 80 g, Cholesterol 133 mg, Fiber 11 g, Protein 50 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Sodium 695 mg, Fat 71 g, ServingSize 4 portions (4 servings), UnsaturatedFat 54 g
CHICKEN SPINACH PASTA SALAD
Since we grow and harvest our own spinach, we use it in lots of dishes. One of our favorite ways to enjoy it is in this pasta salad.-Ruby Pyles, Myersville, Maryland
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 12-16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 212 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.
CHICKEN AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD
My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well), makes this pasta salad a complete meal. -Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you don't have any cooked chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken. Just be sure to shred it before adding it to the salad.
- You can use any type of pasta you like for this salad. Short pastas, like penne or rotini, work well. You can also use longer pastas, like spaghetti or linguine, but you may need to cut them into smaller pieces.
- If you don't have any fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the salad.
- You can add other vegetables to this salad, such as chopped red onion, bell pepper, or cucumber.
- For a creamy dressing, add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise or sour cream to the vinaigrette.
- Serve this salad immediately or chill it for later. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This cheesy chicken spinach pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The combination of chicken, spinach, pasta, and cheese is sure to please everyone at your table.
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