Description
Crack Chicken Pasta Salad is a mouthwatering dish that effortlessly combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a creamy ranch dressing. This versatile salad is ideal for summer cookouts, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served as a main dish or a delightful side, this recipe promises to please your crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb bow tie pasta or elbow macaroni
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 10 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika; cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Let rest before cutting into pieces.
- Add the chicken, crumbled bacon, cheese cubes, green onions, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing to the pasta. Toss until well combined.
- Garnish with additional green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg