Chicken Asparagus Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 14 oz box of bow tie pasta
• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 Tbs Italian salad dressing mix
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1” pieces
• 1 10 oz pkg cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1/2 c onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 c pasta water
• 1 Tbs vinegar
• 1 small can black olives, sliced
• 1 small jar of capers, drained 2/3 of the way
• 2 Tbs cracked black pepper
• 2 c fresh grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 c of the pasta water.
2. Season the chicken with the Italian salad dressing mix; bake at 350º for 20 minutes, until cooked through.
3. In a large skillet add the olive oil, asparagus, onion and garlic, cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. To a large mixing bowl add the pasta and asparagus mixture.
6. Roughly chop the chicken and add it to the pasta mixture.
7. Add the pasta water, vinegar, black olives, capers, black pepper and 1 1/2 c of the parmesan cheese.
8. Stir the mixture together to distribute the ingredients evenly and top with the remaining 1/2 c cheese.
9. Serve warm or chill for 2-3 hours and serve cold.

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