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

Description

A delightful Cherry Chicken Pasta recipe that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor! The creamy dressing, savory rotisserie chicken, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy toasted almonds create a perfect balance of texture and taste. Ideal for a quick family dinner or a party dish!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Mixture

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

Dressing

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup poppyseed dressing
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Almonds

1/2 cup almond slivers, toasted

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked Gemelli noodles, chopped red onion, and dried cherries. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, poppyseed dressing, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the prepared dressing and toasted almond slivers into the chicken mixture. Mix until everything is coated evenly.
Serve: Serve the pasta immediately for best results. If preparing ahead, see the notes for serving tips.

Notes

If you are not ready to serve the dish immediately, reserve 1/2 cup of the dressing mixture and the toasted almonds. Chill the chicken mixture and fold the reserved dressing and almonds in just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 470mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg