Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch, though the flavor won't be quite as rich. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and flake it well. I'd recommend adding a bit more seasoning—perhaps a dash of garlic powder or herbs—to compensate for the more neutral flavor.

How can I make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

Try using light mayonnaise and a reduced-calorie poppyseed dressing. You can also increase the ratio of chicken to pasta for more protein and fewer carbs. Another option is replacing half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich twist.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish?

Absolutely! Diced celery adds nice crunch, halved cherry tomatoes bring freshness, and baby spinach leaves wilt slightly in the dressing for added nutrition. Just be mindful that watery vegetables might thin the dressing, so pat them dry before adding.

Is there a good substitute for poppyseed dressing if I can't find it?

You can make a quick substitute by combining 3/4 cup of honey mustard dressing with 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. In a pinch, a sweet vinaigrette with some poppy seeds stirred in works well too.

Cherry Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Cherry Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1 package (16 ounces) Gemelli noodles, cooked al dente per package instructions; 3/4 cup red onion, chopped; 1 package (5 ounces) dried cherries; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise; 1 cup poppyseed dressing; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup almond slivers, toasted

This Cherry Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that dance together in perfect harmony. The combination of tender chicken, chewy dried cherries, and pasta tossed in a creamy poppyseed dressing creates a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time-Saver Supreme: Uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and takes just 25 minutes from start to finish – perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a chore but you still want something delicious!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet dried cherries, savory chicken, and tangy poppyseed dressing creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile Star: Works brilliantly as a main dish for dinner, a potluck contribution, or even packed lunches that will make your coworkers jealous.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gemelli noodles: The spiral shape captures the dressing perfectly. The twists and turns hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Rotisserie chicken: A wonderful time-saver that adds rich, roasted flavor without the work. The tender meat shreds beautifully and absorbs the dressing.
Dried cherries: The star ingredient that brings sweet-tart bursts of flavor and chewy texture. They’re what makes this pasta unique and craveable.
Red onion: Adds a pleasant bite and beautiful purple color contrast. The mild sharpness balances the sweet elements perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing that coats every strand of pasta and piece of chicken.
Poppyseed dressing: Brings a slightly sweet, nutty dimension and signature flavor to the pasta salad.
Almond slivers: Toast them until golden for maximum flavor and that essential textural crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Swaps

Substitute dried cranberries or dried blueberries for the cherries for a different sweet-tart profile. Fresh halved grapes or diced apples also work beautifully in summer.

Protein Options

Try diced roasted turkey, grilled salmon chunks, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Each brings its own character to the dish while maintaining the core flavor concept.

Pasta Possibilities

Any medium pasta shape works well—try bow ties, penne, or rotini if you don’t have Gemelli. Whole wheat pasta adds nutty flavor and extra fiber.

Nut Variations

Substitute toasted pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies or simply want to change things up.

How to Make Cherry Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the Gemelli pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked pasta, chopped red onion, and dried cherries. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create the Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, poppyseed dressing, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Toast the Almonds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almond slivers until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly! Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Pour the dressing over the chicken-pasta mixture and fold gently until everything is evenly coated. Add the toasted almonds and fold them in right before serving for maximum crunch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Al Dente Is Key: Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to absorb dressing as it sits.
Chicken Temperature: Make sure your rotisserie chicken is completely cooled before shredding to avoid warming the mayo-based dressing.
Dressing Control: Start with about 3/4 of the dressing, then add more as needed. Different pasta shapes absorb dressing differently.
Cherry Cutting: If your dried cherries are particularly large, consider giving them a rough chop to distribute the flavor more evenly.
Onion Soak: If you find raw red onion too sharp, soak the chopped pieces in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the pasta.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus spears for a complete meal that won’t weigh you down.

Presentation Points

For special occasions, serve in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, and garnish with extra toasted almonds and a few fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Temperature Tips

This pasta tastes best when served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings in warmer months.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve after a few hours of chilling.

Make-Ahead Strategy

If preparing more than 2 hours ahead, follow the note in the recipe: reserve half the dressing and all the almonds, then fold them in just before serving. This keeps the pasta from absorbing all the dressing and maintains the almonds’ crunch.

Refreshing Leftovers

If the pasta seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a little extra poppyseed dressing or even a splash of olive oil and toss gently to refresh.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and flake it well. I’d recommend adding a bit more seasoning—perhaps a dash of garlic powder or herbs—to compensate for the more neutral flavor.
How can I make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

Try using light mayonnaise and a reduced-calorie poppyseed dressing. You can also increase the ratio of chicken to pasta for more protein and fewer carbs. Another option is replacing half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich twist.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish?

Absolutely! Diced celery adds nice crunch, halved cherry tomatoes bring freshness, and baby spinach leaves wilt slightly in the dressing for added nutrition. Just be mindful that watery vegetables might thin the dressing, so pat them dry before adding.
Is there a good substitute for poppyseed dressing if I can’t find it?

You can make a quick substitute by combining 3/4 cup of honey mustard dressing with 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. In a pinch, a sweet vinaigrette with some poppy seeds stirred in works well too.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chicken Pasta recipe combines convenience with unexpected flavor combinations that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The sweet cherries, savory chicken, and crunchy almonds create a pasta dish that’s anything but ordinary. Give it a try for your next family dinner or potluck contribution – I guarantee empty plates and requests for the recipe!