Terrytx (10:30:38 AM) :

Black Bean-Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

2 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2" strips
1 tsp. chili powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp. salt
2 cups Rigatoni pasta (medium tubes) (16 oz.) *
1 large tomato, chopped (1 cup)
1 can ( 15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
Creamy Cilantro Pesto Dressing (recipe follows)

Prepare dressing. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken in hot oil for 6-8 minutes , stirring occasionally, unitl no longer pink in th center. Toss chicken, chili powder, garlic and salt. (add more seasonings to taste if you wish) Set chicken aside.

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water.
Mix pasta, chicken,dressing, tomato & beans. Enjoy!!!

Creamy Cilantro-Pesto Dressing

1 1/2 cups chopped Cilantro (3/4 cup dried)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cups pine nuts
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup whipping cream **
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
1 TBSP.lemon juice ***
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
2 cloves garlic

Place all above ingredients in a food processor or blender. Cover and process
until smooth.
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NOTES : Changes I made: 16 oz pkg. of rigatoni (2 cups) wasn't enough.

** 1/3 cup light cream
*** juice of 1 lime
Also I used leftover grilled chicken and added a chopped avocado.