Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe from Italy | Made with Fresh Ingredients

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken pasta salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and crisp vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

History

The origins of chicken pasta salad are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Italy, where pasta salads are a popular dish. Over time, variations of the recipe have been created, incorporating different ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

250 g of pasta
3-4 tbsp of olive oil
1 tomato, chopped
300 g of broccoli, cut into florets
300 g of skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp of parmesan cheese
pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. For 'al dente' texture, cook it for 1 minute less than the recommended time. You can also do a bite test to check if it's cooked perfectly.
While the pasta is cooking, steam or boil the broccoli for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness. I personally prefer a slightly softer texture for this dish.
Grill the chicken. I used a Foreman grill, but you can also broil, bake, or fry it. Just make sure it's fully cooked.
Now comes the fun part. Once everything is cooked, combine all the ingredients in a salad bowl, except for the cheese. Drizzle olive oil on top. Feel free to add more than 4 tbsp if desired. I didn't measure it precisely.
Mix everything together.
Season with pepper and add the cheese.
Mix again.
Serve the dish warm or chilled.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives.
Use different types of pasta such as whole wheat or gluten-free.
Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it has the perfect texture in the salad.

- Steam or boil the broccoli until it reaches your desired tenderness.

- Grill, broil, bake, or fry the chicken until it is fully cooked.

- Drizzle olive oil on top of the salad for added flavor.

- Season with pepper and add cheese for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken pasta salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boil pasta

- Steam or boil broccoli

- Grill, broil, bake, or fry chicken

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta

- Substitute broccoli with cauliflower or asparagus

- Use any type of cheese

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to add the cheese and season with pepper before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve chicken pasta salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken pasta salad pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken pasta salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken pasta salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken pasta salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken pasta salad contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken pasta salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the broccoli and tomato.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and dairy from the cheese. It may also contain allergens from other ingredients depending on individual sensitivities.

Summary

Chicken pasta salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also offers essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

Summary

Chicken pasta salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, it is a satisfying and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun kisses your skin and the breeze whispers through the trees. I was rummaging through an old box of my mother’s recipes when I stumbled upon a faded piece of paper with the title “Chicken Pasta Salad” written in elegant script.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the savory aroma of the dish wafting through the air. I knew I had to make it. I looked at the date on the paper and realized it was from the 1960s, a time when my mother was experimenting with new recipes and flavors. I smiled, knowing that this recipe was a treasure from her culinary journey.

I decided to make the Chicken Pasta Salad for a family gathering that weekend. As I gathered the ingredients and prepared the dish, memories of my mother flooded my mind. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. I could still hear her voice guiding me through the steps, her laughter filling the kitchen.

The dish came together beautifully, a colorful medley of tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing. As I took the first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, sitting at the kitchen table with my family, enjoying my mother’s delicious creations.

The Chicken Pasta Salad was a hit at the gathering, with everyone raving about the flavors and textures. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had recreated a piece of my mother’s culinary legacy. From that moment on, the recipe became a staple in my own repertoire, a dish that I would make for special occasions and everyday meals alike.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own twist to make it my own. I have received countless compliments and requests for the recipe, but I always make sure to credit my mother for passing it down to me.

As I look back on that fateful day when I found the recipe for Chicken Pasta Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me here. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my past, to honor the traditions and flavors that have shaped me. And with each dish I create, I feel a sense of pride and joy, knowing that I am carrying on a legacy of love and creativity.

So the next time you make a batch of Chicken Pasta Salad, take a moment to savor the flavors and textures, and remember the stories and memories that have brought you to this moment. And perhaps, like me, you will find that the true magic of cooking lies not just in the flavors on your plate, but in the stories that accompany them.