PASTA SALAD WITH PEPPERONI AND CHEESE

Pasta Salad With Pepperoni and Cheese image

Provided by PsychoCasseroleStep

Categories Penne

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb penne or 1 lb rotini pasta
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian dressing
8 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni, cut into strips
1 cup sun-dried tomato packed in oil, drained and thinly sliced
1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and cut in pieces
1 (6 ounce) can pitted ripe olives, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups diced provolone cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaf
2 tablespoons dried Italian spices
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 or 2 Tbs. vegetable oil to water, to keep pasta from sticking. Cook penne or rotini until cooked, but still firm, about 9 minutes. Rinse pasta under cool water to stop cooking, and drain.
Combine bottled dressing with chopped parsley, chopped basil, dried Italian seasonings, and crushed red pepper.
Pour dressing over cooked pasta and toss. Add pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, ripe olives. Toss gently. Add cheese and toss again. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate until about 30 minutes before ready to serve.