Smoked Chicken Salad With Penne Pasta

1� Lb. Smoked white meat chicken or turkey, cut into �-inch strips
2 C. Penne pasta, cooked, drained and cooled*
� C. Thinly sliced red onion
� Tsp. Pepper
Dash Cayenne
� C. Bacon bits
1/3 C. Mayonnaise
� Tsp. Minced garlic
� Tsp. Salt
� Tsp. Paprika
� Tsp. Dried thyme
� Tsp. Ground sage
� Tsp. Dried mustard

In a large bowl, toss together chicken, pasta, pepper, onion and bacon bits to combine. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and remaining ingredients until smooth. Spoon mayonnaise mixture over salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Serves 6-8.

*Penne is "quill" shaped pasta. If desired, substitute "fusilli" (a short twisted pasta) or elbow macaroni.