This is one of my absolute FAVORITE summer meals. It is light, uses fresh veggies and can be served a variety of ways.
*Sorry about the lack of pictures here! I was making this meal for a church potluck and forgot to take my camera to church with me to take final pictures!
Here is what you need:
5 Basil leaves, 1 tomato, 1/2-1 lb baked chicken
Not pictured: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, 1 box Penne Pasta
Step 1: Bake your chicken. I baked mine in the oven at 350 for 20 min.
Step 2:
Step 3: Chop your basil leaves and tomatoes
Step 4: Combine diced chicken, penne, basil leaves, tomatoes, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette, 1 cup mozzarella cheese in a 9×13 pan
Step 5: Top with more mozzarella cheese
Step 6: Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until warm and cheese is melted
Step 7: Serve!
Another variation on this dish is to mix all the ingredients (minus the Parmesan cheese) when the pasta is still warm and serve without baking.
This meal is great for lunch, dinner and potlucks.
Cost of Meal for a family of 4: $5.00
Cost per person: $1.25
Elizabeth says
I’ve had a similar pasta salad served cold and it was very tasty. Just switch prepared pesto for the basil and vinaigrette (or make your own pesto) and use feta instead of the mozzarella. Very refreshing summer evening meal 🙂
The Keevy Family says
I recently made this, and it was fabulous!!! Thanks so much, I love your blog. 🙂
Jane