Zesty Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad #rsc

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (1 ounce) packet hidden valley® original ranch® dressing and seasoning mix, divided
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
• 1/2 cup scallion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat penne, uncooked
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons dried italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Recipe

• 1 in quart size sandwich baggie add lemon zest , 2 tsp salt,1 tsp black pepper, crushed red pepper and ½ packet hidden valley seasoning mix.
• 2 toss chicken in 2 tablespoons lemon juice. shake to drain lightly.
• 3 in 3 to 4 batches shake chicken breast cubes to coat all sides. remove and place on a plate. after all chicken has been coated discard mixture and baggie.
• 4 heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large sauté pan. sauté chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
• 5 while chicken cooks, prepare penne pasta according to package directions.
• 6 remove chicken from pan and place in large mixing bowl.
• 7 pour spinach over chicken and cover to allow spinach to wilt.
• 8 drain pasta well and pour on top of chicken and spinach. toss well. allow to cool 5 minutes.
• 9 in small mixing bowl whisk remaining olive oil, italian seasoning, remaining hidden valley ranch seasoning mix, dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar until well blended. set aside.
• 10 to chicken mixture add cherry tomato halves, scallion slices and mozzarella cheese cubes. toss well.
• 11 pour dressing over pasta mixture.
• 12 sprinkle with remaining salt and black pepper. toss well.
• 13 sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
• 14 serves well warm or cold.