Spicy Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

 

I am always searching for a great recipe to wow my friends.  A recipe that says “Hey, she took some time to think about what she is going to make us to eat”.   Something more than say, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or egg salad.  Something that says “I invited you for lunch.  Let’s eat like grown-ups”.   Well, I found the perfect recipe to make that possible. 

Spicy Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad is an easy, quick, one-dish lunch that will make your friends say “Wow that tastes fantastic!”  I found the recipe in the Pillsbury cookbook “Stir-Fries and Salads”, published in 2004.  I really hadn’t looked through the cookbook much before this week.  I found some really great recipes to try in the future.  This recipe has just a few simple steps and a little chopping and presto you have a great lunch for friends on the table in less than 20 minutes.  Ideally the best way to eat this salad after it sits for a few hours in the refrigerator.  Doing that steps really helps the flavors develop and come together. 

 

Enjoy!

 

Spicy Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

 

8 ounces (3 1/2 cups) uncooked bowtie pasta (farfalle)

1 cup mayonnaise

1 (4.5 ounce) can of chopped Green Chilies

1 (9 ounce) package frozen fajita style, cooked chicken breast strips, thawed and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 medium roma tomatoes, chopped (1 cup)

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)

4 ounces shredded taco-flavored cheese blend

Chives or green onions

 

1.  Cook the bowties as directed.  Drain.  Rinse with cold water.  Continue to drain while you make the rest of the salad.

2.  In a large serving bowl, combine mayonnaise and green chilies.

3.  Add chicken, tomatoes, bell pepper and cheese.

 

4.  Add cooked pasta and toss gently to coat.

5 Decorate with extra cheese if desired. 

6.  Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time.