Name: Smoky Chicken, Peppers, and Spinach Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions; ⅓ cup honey; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil for sauce + 1 tablespoon for cooking chicken; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste; about 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces; 1 ½ to 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, sliced thinly; 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1 large orange bell pepper, seeded and diced

Description

A delicious and colorful smoky chicken pasta salad enriched with fresh spinach and bell peppers, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil for sauce + 1 tablespoon for cooking chicken
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
about 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 ½ to 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, sliced thinly
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 large orange bell pepper, seeded and diced

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, place in a large bowl, and set aside.
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, mix honey, vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; set sauce aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
Carefully add sauce to the skillet and allow it to bubble for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally.
Remove chicken from heat and let it rest while you chop the spinach and peppers.
Add spinach, peppers, chicken, and sauce to the pasta and mix thoroughly.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm or cold. Can be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

Can be served warm or as a cold pasta salad.
Great for meal prep; keeps well in the refrigerator.
Adjust spices to your preference, especially the cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg