Panera's Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups whole grain penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 half red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2-3 Sprigs fresh basil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
Instructions
- Craft the Signature Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning blend. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld, infusing the dressing with a tantalizing aroma.
- Cook the Pasta to Perfection:Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole grain penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. This ensures that the pasta maintains its perfect texture for the salad.
- Embrace the Harmony of Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh basil. Add the cooked penne pasta to the bowl, creating a symphony of colors and flavors.
- Coat with the Signature Dressing:Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture, gently tossing to ensure that every ingredient is enveloped in the delectable flavors of Panera's signature dressing. Let the salad marinate for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Present Your Culinary Masterpiece:Transfer the Chicken Pasta Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, sprinkling a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra touch of indulgence. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant pop of color and freshness.