why make this recipe
Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad brings a delicious twist to your usual pasta dishes. It’s packed with flavors, easy to make, and perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. With the smoky gouda and chipotle sauce, every bite offers a delightful kick. Plus, it uses rotisserie chicken, which saves you time in the kitchen.
how to make Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooled pasta, smoked gouda, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and chipotle sauce.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
how to serve Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad
Serve your Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad cold, straight from the refrigerator. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or vegetables. It also works great in lunch boxes for a tasty meal on the go.
how to store Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. If the pasta seems dry when you take it out, you can add a little more ranch dressing to revive it.
tips to make Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad
- For extra flavor, grill the chicken yourself instead of buying rotisserie chicken.
- Try adding black beans or corn for additional texture and taste.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle sauce to suit your spice preference.
variation
You can easily switch out the smoked gouda for a cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or pepper jack, if you prefer a different flavor. Additionally, add more veggies like bell peppers or avocados for a burst of freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you like! Bowtie or fusilli works well too.
2. How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes chilling time.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for making in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing ingredients
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooled pasta, smoked gouda, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and chipotle sauce.
Combine
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.