Chicken Thyme Penne

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

I love the flavor of fresh thyme. Chill time not included in cook time.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 3 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 4 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 2 cups red grapes , cut in half
• 2 stalks celery , sliced
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (or 2 t. dried thyme)
• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise or 1 ¼ cups salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon coarse grain mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts , toasted

Directions:

1. Cook penne per package directions; rinse and drain.
2. In a big bowl, mix together the penne, chicken, grapes, celery, and onion.
3. In a small bowl add oil and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme); stir to mix.
4. Pour over chicken-pasta mixture; toss to coat.
5. In another bowl, add mayonnaise, milk, honey, mustard, salt, and remaining thyme; stir to combine.
6. Cover chicken-pasta mixture and cover mayonnaise mixture; chill both for at least 4 hours but not more than 24 hours.
7. 2 hours before ready to serve, toss the chicken-pasta mixture and mayonnaise mixture together.
8. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
9. Right before serving, season to taste with salt/pepper and add 3/4 cup walnuts; stir to combine.
10. Sprinkle remaining nuts on top; serve.