First Step: Make the Dressing Start by preparing the dressing in a small bowl. Whisk together 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 garlic clove (pressed or minced), a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once mixed, set it aside to let the flavors meld while you handle the other parts.

Second Step: Cook the Pasta Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces dry penne or fusilli pasta according to the package directions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes for al dente texture. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl to avoid sticking.

Third Step: Prepare the Chicken Now, slice 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts crosswise into long strips about 0.5-inch thick. In a separate bowl, mix 1½ tablespoons olive oil with 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano or dried oregano, 4 garlic cloves (minced), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Coat the chicken strips thoroughly with this mixture for even flavoring.

Fourth Step: Cook the Chicken Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the coated chicken strips. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden on the sides. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for safety. Once done, transfer the chicken and its juices to the bowl with the pasta.

Fifth Step: Add the Vegetables and Cheese To the bowl with pasta and chicken, add 1 yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced), 1 medium red onion (thickly sliced), 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), ½ cup green olives (sliced in half), ⅓ cup ground parmesan cheese, and 3 cups packed arugula (roughly chopped). This step brings in the fresh, colorful elements that make the salad vibrant and nutritious.

Sixth Step: Combine and Season Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture in the bowl and toss everything together gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. For the best results, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors. Quick pasta recipes on our site can inspire variations.

Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Once mixed, serve your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad right away if you prefer it warm, or chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes for a refreshing cold version. This salad serves 4-6 people and pairs well with sides like fresh bread. Remember, the prep time is 15 minutes and cook time is 15 minutes, making it a speedy option for any meal.