Kids love pasta! Bowties make this simple pasta easy and delicious while chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes and basil add nutrition and a fresh Mediterranean twist. For more recipes visit sharethepasta.org
8 ounces dried whole wheat bowtie pasta (3 generous cups)
1 small red bell pepper cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
8 ounces cooked chicken cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 1½ cups)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 to 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed, optional
1/3 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves cut into thin strips (a.k.a. ribbons)
·1/3 cup Italian salad dressing
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. When done, drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
2. Place the pasta in a large bowl. Add the bell pepper, chicken, feta cheese, chickpeas as desired, basil, and salad dressing and stir to combine.
3. Pack in plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid or place in a bento-style lunch box and send to school or work.
Recipe courtesy of National Pasta Association