Chicken And Pasta Toss
A vibrant chicken and pasta toss featuring fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a flavorful mustard lemon dressing, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or light gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Rinse under cold running water; drain.
- In a medium salad bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach, diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Grey Poupon mustard, lemon juice, garlic salt, water, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture; toss lightly to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the mushrooms before adding them to the salad for a deeper taste. If you're short on time, precooked chicken can save you preparation time. Feel free to switch out the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free varieties, and use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. For a tangier dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken And Pasta Toss is best served warm but can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad. Pair it with a light green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside family favorites like Chicken And Rice Pilaf or Crunchy Chicken Breasts for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or a little water to the pasta before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Stir well to combine, and enjoy a quick meal that retains its delicious flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pasta Toss contains roughly 324 calories, with 18g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 935mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and the dressing in advance. Just combine everything right before serving to keep the pasta fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Alternatively, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work well in place of Parmesan.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes to increase the vegetable content. Just ensure that any additional veggies are cooked or prepared in a way that complements the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).