Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching all that delicious dressing in its spirals, you can substitute with penne, farfalle (bow ties), or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to cook it al dente and cool it completely before mixing with other ingredients.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To create a lighter version, you can replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, use light sour cream, reduce the amount of cheese and bacon, and increase the vegetables. The flavor will still be fantastic but with fewer calories.

Why did my pasta salad turn out dry after being in the refrigerator?

Pasta naturally absorbs moisture as it sits, especially in the refrigerator. If your salad seems dry after storage, simply stir in a little extra mayo or sour cream to bring back the creamy texture. Always taste and adjust seasonings after adding more dressing.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

This pasta salad is actually better when made ahead! The flavors have time to blend and develop when it sits in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. I recommend making it the day before your event, then giving it a good stir and a quick taste test (to adjust seasonings if needed) before serving.

Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; 1 oz packet ranch seasoning; 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste, like Better Than Bouillon; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (or your favorite hot sauce); 2 large cups cooked chicken**; ½ cup diced green onion; ½ cup diced red onion; 1 cup chopped bacon; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 16 oz box rotini pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled; Parsley, for garnish

This irresistible Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, flavor-packed dressing that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, this hearty pasta salad comes together in just 15 minutes and can be made ahead of time for maximum convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of ranch, Old Bay, and a touch of heat from sriracha creates a dressing that’s absolutely addictive!
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish, side dish, or potluck contribution. Easily adaptable to what you have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle in the refrigerator.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape catches all that creamy dressing in its twists and turns. Feel free to substitute with bow ties, penne, or any medium-sized pasta shape.
Chicken: The star protein that makes this a complete meal. Using pre-cooked options like rotisserie or canned chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These create the creamy base for our dressing. The sour cream adds a pleasant tanginess that balances the richness of the mayo.
Ranch Seasoning Packet: Provides that classic, crowd-pleasing ranch flavor without having to measure multiple spices.
Old Bay Seasoning: Adds a distinctive savory depth that elevates this pasta salad above the ordinary.
Chicken Bouillon Paste: A secret ingredient that intensifies the chicken flavor throughout the dish.
Lemon Juice: Brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the creamy dressing.
Sriracha Sauce: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.
Green & Red Onions: Provide color, crunch, and that perfect onion flavor without being too strong.
Bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon! Adds smokiness and an irresistible crispy texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese takes this pasta salad to the next level of indulgence.
Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this pasta salad? Here are some tasty ideas:

Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped cucumber, kalamata olives, feta cheese instead of cheddar, and a splash of red wine vinegar.
Southwest Version: Mix in black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and substitute the sriracha with a tablespoon of taco seasoning.
Garden Fresh: Add cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, chopped broccoli, and shredded carrots for extra vegetables.
Seafood Swap: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or canned tuna for a different protein option.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning packet, Old Bay seasoning, chicken bouillon paste, lemon juice, and sriracha until smooth and well combined. This creates your flavor-packed dressing that will coat every bite with deliciousness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Mix-ins

In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to separate and shred the chicken. Add green onions, red onions, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients together until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Combine

Add your cooked and completely cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the chicken mixture. Toss everything together to distribute all the tasty mix-ins throughout the pasta.

Step 4: Mix with Dressing

Pour your prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and fold everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure to get to the bottom of the bowl so no dry pasta is hiding there!

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh garnish if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cool That Pasta: Make sure your pasta is completely cooled before mixing with other ingredients. Hot pasta will melt the cheese and make the dressing too thin.
Season to Taste: After mixing everything together, taste and adjust seasonings. Sometimes a little extra Old Bay or sriracha can really make the flavors pop.
Pasta Cooking: Cook your pasta just to al dente. It will continue to absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so slightly firmer pasta prevents mushiness.
Easy Mixing: Use a large bowl that gives you plenty of room to fold ingredients together without spilling over the sides.

How to Serve

This versatile chicken pasta salad works in so many ways:

Main Dish Serving

Serve a hearty portion alongside some crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Side Dish Pairing

It’s perfect alongside grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. The creamy texture complements smoky grilled flavors beautifully.

Potluck Star

Transport in a covered container with ice packs to keep it properly chilled. Bring extra sriracha on the side for heat-lovers to add to their portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge!

Make Ahead Tips

This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. Make it the night before and portion into containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Refreshing Leftovers

If the pasta salad seems a bit dry after being stored, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or mayo to refresh the creaminess before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching all that delicious dressing in its spirals, you can substitute with penne, farfalle (bow ties), or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to cook it al dente and cool it completely before mixing with other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe lighter?

To create a lighter version, you can replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, use light sour cream, reduce the amount of cheese and bacon, and increase the vegetables. The flavor will still be fantastic but with fewer calories.
Why did my pasta salad turn out dry after being in the refrigerator?

Pasta naturally absorbs moisture as it sits, especially in the refrigerator. If your salad seems dry after storage, simply stir in a little extra mayo or sour cream to bring back the creamy texture. Always taste and adjust seasonings after adding more dressing.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

This pasta salad is actually better when made ahead! The flavors have time to blend and develop when it sits in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. I recommend making it the day before your event, then giving it a good stir and a quick taste test (to adjust seasonings if needed) before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Pasta Salad is one of those magical recipes that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to take to your next gathering, or make-ahead lunches for the week, this pasta salad delivers big time. The creamy, tangy dressing with that hint of heat wraps around every bite of pasta, chicken, and bacon creating a dish that’s impossible to resist. Give it a try – I promise it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!