Chicken & Broccoli Bow-Tie Pasta Salad

Submitted by HokiesMom

"From Kraft foods with some modifications. A nice main meal salad. This can be made ahead and served chilled as a cold salad or made and served immediately as a hot salad. I prefer the hot salad. (Kraft recommends using 6 oz of their grilled chicken strips but I prefer fresh chicken over packaged - use what you are most comfortable serving). ***Update*** Based on the review I wanted to let you know what I took out of the original recipe - it called for 1/2 c sliced olives. I was thinking if you want a really strong flavor - try a very Zesty Italian Dressing or saute your chicken with garlic and add chopped onions to the final dish. Maybe that would perk it up for those that like things a bit spicier. The original way is a method in which my kids will eat it but I understand how adults may want a bit more zing.***"

 

• Ready In: 22mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 2 cups farfalle pasta, uncooked (bow-tie)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 lb cooked chicken (cut into strips)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1⁄2 cup zesty light Italian dressing
• 1⁄4 cup sharp light cheddar cheese (shredded or crumbled)
• 1⁄4 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded or crumbled)
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

directions

1. Cook pasta according to directions.
2. Add broccoli to the cooking water of the pasta during the last 4 minutes of the pasta cooking time.
3. Drain pasta and broccoli.
4. Toss chicken, tomatoes, dressing, monterey and cheddar cheese together in a large salad bowl.
5. Add pasta mixture; mixing lightly.
6. Sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.

Reviews

[Luschka]

This was a really delicious pasta. I left out the tomato and the Italan dressing. I cooked the chicken in garlic and ginger and used some of the chicken's juices instead of the Italian dressing to make sure the pasta wasn't dry. Very easy, very quick and delicious.

 

[echo echo]

In place of the Kraft light Italian dressing, I used Miller's Recipe #14375 #14375, substituting my Recipe #101943 #101943 for the Mrs. Dash in that recipe. I also used just light cheddar (1/2 c) (rather than half cheddar and half montery jack) because that's what I had on hand. A very tasty salad indeed.

 

[CoreyAnn]

This isn't a bad recipe but it feels like there is something missing. Maybe there is a seasoning that would really make this pop? Not sure. Not a bad salad and could be a fabulous one with the right pop to it.