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

Description

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, rotini pasta, crispy bacon, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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For the Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 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)

For the Salad:

2 large cups cooked chicken**
1/2 cup diced green onion
1/2 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

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, chicken bouillon paste, lemon juice, and sriracha sauce until well combined.
Shred the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to separate and shred the cooked chicken. Ensure it is evenly shredded for a consistent texture.
Add Ingredients: Mix in the diced green onion, diced red onion, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese with the shredded chicken. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Combine with Pasta: Gently fold the cooked and cooled rotini pasta into the chicken mixture, tossing everything together until mixed well.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired, for added freshness and flavor. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve cool and enjoy!

Notes

** You can use any kind of cooked and shredded chicken you prefer. Rotisserie chicken or canned chicken (ensure to drain canned chicken) works well and can save time.
For quicker preparation, use pre-cooked bacon or cooked bacon bits.
Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before combining it with the other ingredients to prevent the sauce from thinning.
This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but add the parsley garnish just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 75mg