Three-Bean Chicken Pasta Salad with Garlic Oil

Level: Easy
Servings: 4 to 6
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 of 6): Calories 354, Total Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Carbohydrates 39 g, Dietary Fiber 4 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 13 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Sodium 341 mg
Total Time: 40 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes

Whip up this irresistible garlicky chicken pasta salad, packed with kidney beans, navy beans, and green beans for a hearty, nutritious meal that bursts with flavor. Perfect for a quick lunch or picnicyour taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup trimmed and chopped green beans
8 ounces dried gemelli pasta
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed
1/2 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup canned navy beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots

Instructions

Warm the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook until the garlic turns golden, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer the garlic oil into a large bowl, and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in the lemon juice, then season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until they are crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the green beans to a colander and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Place the beans in the bowl with the garlic oil.
Cook the gemelli pasta in the boiling water following package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the garlic oil and green beans.
Into the bowl, add the shredded chicken, kidney beans, navy beans, parsley, and chopped shallots. Toss all ingredients gently but thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve this vibrant pasta salad immediately for maximum freshness and flavordig in and enjoy the zesty, bean-packed goodness!