Cold & Creamy Chicken & Pasta

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Advanced
A refreshing, creamy pasta salad with tender chicken and fresh avocado, perfect for picnics or light dinners.
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This cold chicken pasta salad is the ultimate make-ahead meal, featuring tender chicken strips and rotini tossed in a rich, creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill. The addition of ripe avocado adds a luxurious texture and healthy fats, while sharp Parmesan cheese provides a savory depth. It&# 226;€™s a vibrant, satisfying dish that holds up well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Ideal for summer potlucks, busy weeknight lunches, or as a hearty side dish for BBQs, this recipe offers a comforting yet refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads.

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Cold & Creamy Chicken & Pasta

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 8 Calories: 271.3

Description

This cold chicken pasta salad is the ultimate make-ahead meal, featuring tender chicken strips and rotini tossed in a rich, creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill. The addition of ripe avocado adds a luxurious texture and healthy fats, while sharp Parmesan cheese provides a savory depth. It&# 226;€™s a vibrant, satisfying dish that holds up well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Ideal for summer potlucks, busy weeknight lunches, or as a hearty side dish for BBQs, this recipe offers a comforting yet refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Lightly sauté the chicken breasts in butter until fully cooked and tender.
  2. Cut the cooked chicken into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long.
  3. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of salt.
  4. Add the rotini pasta and reduce heat to medium; cook until tender but not mushy.
  5. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  6. Set the rinsed pasta aside to cool completely.
  7. In a bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, dill weed, black pepper, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Let the dressing sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  9. Peel and pit the ripe avocados, then slice them into 1/2-inch lengthwise strips.
  10. In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, cooled pasta, and the prepared dressing.
  11. Ensure the mixture is slightly juicy and well-coated.
  12. Gently fold in the avocado strips so they do not break up.
  13. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the pasta to absorb the dressing.
  14. The next day, if the mixture seems dry, stir in a little more mayonnaise to achieve a slightly wet consistency.
  15. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  16. Transfer the chicken pasta mixture to a chilled serving bowl.
  17. Garnish with ripe tomato wedges and a sprinkle of fresh dill weed.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 271.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13.6g21%
Saturated Fat 3.7g19%
Cholesterol 101.0mg34%
Sodium 93.1mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 30.6g62%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cold pasta salad, chicken pasta, creamy dressing, avocado pasta, make ahead meal, pasta salad recipe, summer lunch, potluck dish, dill chicken, rotini salad, easy dinner, chicken salad
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