A creamy and flavorful dish combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s quick to make and sure to become a family favorite on busy weeknights.
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time15 min
Total Time30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Kitchen Tricks
Toast the cashews lightly before adding to enhance their flavor.
Use cooked pasta that is still slightly firm to avoid mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
Sauté the chicken until golden brown for better texture and taste.
Ingredients
0/10
Why This Dish Is So Special
This dish combines the creamy crunch of cashews with tender chicken and pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Step 1
Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook the rotini until it’s tender but still has a bit of a bite, about 8 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 2
In a big bowl, combine the pasta with the cooked chicken, diced green pepper, and chopped green onions.
Step 3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until everything is smooth and well mixed. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture and give it a good stir so everything is nicely coated.
Step 4
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld and the dressing to thicken up.
Step 5
Right before you’re ready to serve, toss in the cashews. If you want, you can add them up to a couple of hours ahead, but it’s best to keep them crunchy by adding them last.
146
people cooked this recipe
ByRyan Parker
Ryan shares simple recipes made for everyday cooking and easy family meals.
Best Serving Ideas
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro also adds a nice touch of color and freshness.
Leftover Care Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well; just adjust cooking time as needed.
How long can I store this pasta salad in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when covered and refrigerated.
Can I prepare this recipe without mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Should I cook the chicken before adding it to the pasta?
Yes, use cooked, cubed chicken breast to ensure it’s safe and ready to eat.
Is it necessary to let the mixture chill for 8 hours?
Chilling helps flavors meld and dressing thicken, but at least 2 hours will still taste good.
Can I add the cashews earlier without losing crunch?
It’s best to add cashews just before serving to keep them crunchy, but adding them a couple of hours ahead is okay.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar amount to your taste or substitute with a smaller amount of honey.
Can I use raw cashews instead of salted ones?
Yes, but you may want to toast and lightly salt them for extra flavor.
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