Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
447 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad combines cooked rigatoni pasta with chopped cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, diced cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. The dressing blends mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and a ranch seasoning mix which brings a tangy and herby note to the salad. Once mixed, the salad is refrigerated for at least an hour allowing the flavors to integrate and the dressing to thicken slightly. The bacon gives a smoky crunch, while the cheddar adds creaminess and contrast. The fresh tomatoes and green onions contribute moisture and mild sharpness, balancing the richness of the dressing. It can be garnished with additional chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance presentation and freshness. This pasta salad works well as a side dish or light main for casual lunches or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta rotini, or penne
- 2 cups chicken cooked, chopped
- 6 lices Bacon cooked and crumbled, extra for garnish if desired
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cheddar cheese diced
- 3 green onions sliced, plus more for garnish
- parsley or dill for garnish, optional, chopped, fresh
Dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix or see notes for a from scratch version
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water per the package directions. Drain well and run under cold water. Set aside.
- Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Mix remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes
- To make the dressing from scratch without a ranch packet, add garlic powder, onion powder, fresh or dried dill and parsley, salt, and pepper to the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture.
- To cook chicken breasts for the salad, bake at 400°F after rubbing with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning, until 165°F internal temperature.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 447 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 447 | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 345mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 233mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 465IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 3.5mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 145mg | 15% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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