5.0 from 18 votes
Chicken Penne Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing
Tender penne noodles and juicy seasoned chicken tossed with red peppers, sundried tomatoes, sharp white cheese, and a rich and creamy parmesan dressing!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 314 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon per chicken breast)
- 2 cups dry penne pasta regular or whole wheat
- 4 cups baby spinach or similar dark greens
- 1 ounce jar roasted red peppers drained and chopped
- 1 ounce jar sun dried tomatoes (about ⅔-1 cup), chopped
- 1 cup diced white cheese (smoked mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, creamy havarti, etc)
Dressing
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ¼ cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayo (I used light)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste (I used about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Place penne in a medium sauce pan. Cover noodles with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in an oiled pan or skillet over medium heat 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into 1 inch pieces.
- In a large bowl toss together penne, chicken, spinach, red peppers, sundried tomatoes, and cheese.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Pour dressing over salad ingredients, toss to combine, and serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Prepare in advance, cover tightly, and store in fridge up to 24 hours before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
314kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
31g
(10%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
35mg
(12%)
Sodium
288mg
(12%)
Potassium
316mg
(9%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
2274IU
(45%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
192mg
(19%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 314kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 288mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 316mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2274IU | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 192mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.