Description

Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Crack Chicken Pasta Salad, a dish that perfectly marries tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing over a bed of al dente pasta. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for potlucks, summer picnics, or busy weeknight dinners. With vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for a unique twist or serve it chilled for a refreshing meal option. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes that make this salad a standout choice for every occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb bow tie pasta or elbow macaroni
2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
10 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (cubed)
¼ cup green onions (chopped)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup ranch dressing

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Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika; cook until golden brown (about 8 minutes per side). Let rest for 10 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Add chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing to the bowl with pasta. Toss until well combined.
Garnish with additional green onions before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg