Ingredients

8 oz (250 g) frozen or fresh cheese tortellini, about 3 1⁄2 cups (875 mL)

1⁄2 cup (125 mL) creamy Caesar dressing

1⁄4 tsp (1 mL) freshly ground black pepper

1⁄4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped fresh basil or parsley

1 1⁄2 to 2 cups (375 to 500 mL) bite-sized cooked chicken pieces or shrimp

1⁄4 cup (50 mL) toasted slivered almonds

1⁄4 cup (50 mL) grated Parmesan

Preparation

  1. Add tortellini to a generous amount of salted boiling water; boil for minimum time on package, usually about 8 minutes. Rinse tortellini under cold running water until cool; drain.

  2. Meanwhile, stir dressing with black pepper and basil. Turn pasta in to dressing. To avoid breaking up pasta, use a big spoon to carefully mix the salad with a lifting motion from bottom. Salad can be covered and refrigerated for up to a day.

  3. When ready to serve, gently fold in chicken and nuts. Strew Parmesan overtop; serve with a baguette and seasonal vegetables.