This Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and pasta all dressed in a zesty sauce. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how easy it is to make this meal. Just grill the chicken, toss everything together, and you’ve got a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken is essential for even cooking. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works well; simply shred it for quick use.
Blackened Seasoning: Smoked paprika gives great flavor, but you can use regular paprika if needed. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference or omit it for a milder dish.
Pasta: Rotini or gemelli pasta is great for catching the dressing and flavors. Other pasta types like fusilli or bowtie could work too!
Dressing: Mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy base. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream, and you could use light mayo.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Blackened?
Blackening your chicken is all about the sear and flavor. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough; this is key. Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet to medium-high and add a thin layer of oil.
- Once the oil starts shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side without moving them. This helps develop a nice crust.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
By getting the skillet hot and letting the chicken sear properly, you’ll achieve that tasty blackened flavor!
Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini or gemelli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and cooking time, plus an optional 30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to get this delicious salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Blackened Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This mixture will give your chicken a robust and smoky flavor.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Generously rub the blackened seasoning all over the chicken to coat it well.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If your pan is not non-stick, add a little more olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through and has a delicious, charred crust. After cooking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down, then drain well.
5. Preparing the Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Assembling the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
7. Adding Cheese and Chicken:
Gently fold in the Parmesan cheese for some added flavor. Lastly, arrange the sliced blackened chicken on top of the pasta salad.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Optional: You can sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the salad for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Enjoy your delicious, smoky, creamy Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Grilled Chicken Instead of Blackened Chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter flavor, grilled chicken works perfectly. Just season the chicken with salt and pepper, grill it until cooked through, and slice it before adding to the salad.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular rotini or gemelli pasta, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this salad.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It will give the dressing a nice creaminess while also adding some tangy flavor!
