Lemon-Basil Chicken-Pasta Salad

 

1/2

teaspoon salt (for cooking pasta), if desired

2

cups uncooked rotini or rotelle (spiral) pasta (6 oz)

10

asparagus stalks (about 8 oz)

1

clove garlic or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

5

oz cooked chicken or turkey

1/2

cup fresh basil leaves

1/2

cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 oz)

1/4

cup olive or vegetable oil

1

tablespoon grated lemon peel

• 1 Fill a 4-quart Dutch oven about half full of water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt if desired. Cover with lid; heat over high heat until water is boiling rapidly. Add the pasta. Heat to boiling again. Boil uncovered 9 to 11 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but not mushy. While water is heating and pasta is cooking, continue with recipe.
• 2 Break off and discard the tough ends of the asparagus stalks where they snap easily; wash asparagus. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces to measure 2 cups. Add asparagus to the pasta during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
• 3 Peel and finely chop the garlic. Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch cubes to measure about 2 cups. Tear the basil leaves lengthwise into narrow strips.
• 4 Place strainer or colander in the sink. Pour pasta and asparagus in the strainer to drain. Rinse with cold water; drain.
• 5 In a large glass or plastic bowl, toss pasta, asparagus and chicken. Stir in garlic, basil, cheese, oil and lemon peel. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled.