Description
A delightful warm salad featuring chicken, cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 pound asparagus
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1 20-ounce package cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions
- Fresh minced basil, optional, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside in a large bowl.
- Combine Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together in a small bowl or shake in a sealed jar. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breast, season with salt, and cover. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through.
- Add 1/4 cup sauce to the chicken and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 minute, turning the chicken to coat all sides. Transfer the chicken to the cooked tortellini and toss.
- Add chopped asparagus to the frying pan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add shredded carrots and cook until vegetables are tender but slightly crunchy.
- Add the cooked vegetables and sliced grape tomatoes to the tortellini and chicken. Pour the remaining sauce over the mixture, simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened, then gently toss together.
- Garnish with fresh minced basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by altering the amount of honey.
- This dish can be served warm or chilled as a pasta salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg