This Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of spicy, smoky chicken and fresh veggies, all tossed with pasta. It’s a meal that is colorful and full of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: This recipe shines with chicken breasts, but thighs can be a juicy alternative. They won’t dry out as easily and are super flavorful, too!
Pasta: I recommend rigatoni or penne since their shape holds onto the dressing well. If you need a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta for added protein.
Blackened Seasoning: Store-bought works fine, but it’s fun and easy to make your own! If you want less heat, reduce the cayenne in your mix. My personal tip is to add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smokiness!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangy twist and lighter dressing. For vegan options, try a plant-based mayo and yogurt substitute.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to perfection is key to this pasta salad! Here’s a simple way to ensure juicy, flavorful chicken:
- Start with dry chicken breasts to help the seasoning stick better.
- Use a medium-high heat for initial cooking to get a nice sear, about 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture!
- Slice only after resting to keep juices locked in.
This method gives you beautifully blackened, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with the pasta salad!
How to Make Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade; see note)
For the Salad:
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne works well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time. In total, plan for about 1 hour to make and chill your pasta salad before enjoying it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After it’s done, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your pasta nice and firm. Set it aside as you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to help the seasoning stick better. Next, rub the chicken all over with olive oil before generously coating it with the blackened seasoning. This will give your chicken a fantastic flavor!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. You can add a little more oil if your skillet tends to stick. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want it to be cooked through and have a nice, charred exterior. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it into thick strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed – you want it to be perfect!
5. Mixing the Salad:
Add the cooked pasta to the dressing. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped yellow and green bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently mix everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
6. Adding the Chicken:
Place the sliced blackened chicken on top of the salad mixture. Use a spatula or server to gently fold the chicken into the pasta salad without breaking everything apart.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Top your salad with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Now, cover the bowl and refrigerate your pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Enjoy!
After chilling, serve your Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad either chilled or at room temperature. It’s a delightful dish perfect for any meal!
Note (Blackened Seasoning):
If you’d like to make your own blackened seasoning, simply mix equal parts of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to reach about 2 tablespoons total.
Enjoy this creamy, smoky, spicy, and fresh pasta salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken can save time. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and skip the seasoning and cooking steps for the chicken. Mix it directly into the pasta salad!
Is This Salad Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes! This pasta salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, you might want to add a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Certainly! This salad is versatile. Feel free to add or substitute your favorite veggies, like cucumbers, carrots, or spinach. Just be mindful of their water content, so they don’t make the salad soggy.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper to the blackened seasoning or tossing in some finely chopped jalapeños. You can also serve it with a spicy dressing or hot sauce on the side!
