BLACK BEAN-CHICKEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY CILANTRO DRESSING

Black Bean-Chicken Pasta Salad With Creamy Cilantro Dressing image

Provided by True Texas

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups rigatoni pasta (medium tubes, 16 oz.)
1 large tomatoes, chopped (1 cup)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Steps:

Prepare dressing. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken in hot oil for 6-8 minutes , stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in th center. Toss chicken, chili powder, garlic and salt. (add more seasonings to taste if you wish) Set chicken aside.
Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water.
Mix pasta, chicken,dressing, tomato and beans. Enjoy!
Creamy Cilantro-Pesto Dressing.
1 1/2 cups chopped cilantro (3/4 cup dried).
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
1/3 cups pine nuts.
1/3 cup olive oil.
1/4 cup whipping cream **.
1 teaspoons grated lemon peel.
1 TBSP.lemon juice ***.
1/8 teaspoons ground red pepper.
2 cloves garlic.
Place all above ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Cover and process until smooth.