That Pasta Stuff
A vibrant pasta salad featuring spiral pasta, tender chicken, fresh peppers, olives, and feta, all coated in zesty Italian dressing—perfect for light lunches or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spiral pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Boil the chicken breasts until cooked through, then let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and olives.
- Pour the Zesty Italian Dressing over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
- Before serving, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some of the Zesty Italian Dressing before boiling. You can also substitute the spiral pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli. If you're looking to add more veggies, try incorporating cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition. This dish is versatile and can easily be customized to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish is perfect as a main course but can also be served as a side dish at gatherings. Pair it with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also goes well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside Mediterranean recipes for a flavorful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, making it even more delicious. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warmed through, or enjoy it cold as a refreshing pasta salad. Just remember to sprinkle fresh feta cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of That Pasta Stuff contains roughly 470 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% 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 use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral trio pasta adds a fun texture, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or artichokes. You can also incorporate chickpeas for protein. The Zesty Italian Dressing will still provide plenty of flavor, making it a delicious meat-free option.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta dish is perfect for meal prep! Prepare a large batch and divide it into individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to keep the feta cheese separate until you're ready to eat to maintain its freshness.
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).