Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta.
2. Drain and Cool: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool while you prepare the chicken and the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. These seasonings will infuse the chicken with a savory, flavorful base.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
3. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
4. Slice the Chicken: Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken is resting, prepare your vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Set all the vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Make the Honey Mustard Dressing

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey. For more tang, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. Combine the Pasta and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss them together until evenly mixed.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and vegetables. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.
3. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the pasta salad. Toss the salad gently to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. If the salad looks dry, you can add a little more dressing or a splash of olive oil.
4. Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Immediately: Once everything is combined, serve the salad immediately. You can enjoy it as a complete meal or as a side dish to complement grilled meats, seafood, or other salads.
2. Chill for Later: If you’re not eating it right away, cover the salad and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. The flavors will develop as it sits, and the salad will be even more flavorful once chilled.