New Recipe: Easy Sunny Chicken Pasta Salad Ready in Minutes

During the warm summer months, many seek light and refreshing meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. One such dish is the Sunny Chicken Pasta Salad, ideal for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners. This delectable salad combines tender sautéed chicken breast with crisp celery and the sweetness of ripe summer tomatoes. It is enriched with a creamy mayonnaise dressing that is complemented by chopped scallions and fresh basil. This combination creates a flavorful dish that can be served at room temperature, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.

To prepare the salad, start by boiling a large pot of water and cooking 4 ounces of penne pasta for approximately 8 minutes, or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet and sauté ¾ pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into half-inch slices, until golden brown, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, add ½ cup of sliced celery and 1 cup of diced tomato, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add ½ cup of no-salt-added chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer before returning the chicken to the skillet.

Next, incorporate the drained penne pasta into the skillet, tossing everything to ensure even distribution. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and mix in 3 tablespoons of reduced-fat mayonnaise for a creamy finish. To serve, place 1 cup of washed, ready-to-eat lettuce leaves on two dinner plates and evenly divide the chicken salad on top. Garnish each serving with ½ cup sliced scallions and ¼ cup sliced fresh basil for an aromatic touch.

This recipe yields two servings, with each serving containing approximately 565 calories. The nutrient breakdown includes 28 percent of calories from fat, with 17.5 grams of total fat and 48.3 grams of protein per serving. The salad is a wholesome option that balances flavor and nutrition, making it a summertime favorite.

For those looking to prepare this refreshing dish, here is a comprehensive shopping list: 1 package of penne pasta, ¾ pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, 1 bunch of celery, 1 large tomato, washed lettuce leaves, 1 bunch of scallions, 1 bunch of fresh basil, 1 container of no-salt-added chicken broth, and 1 jar of reduced-fat mayonnaise, along with staples such as olive oil, salt, and black peppercorns.

This Sunny Chicken Pasta Salad not only satisfies the palate but also offers a nutritious meal choice for the summer season.

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