Description

Crack Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing served over al dente pasta. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or family meals. With its satisfying combination of textures and tastes, this crowd-pleaser will surely be a hit at your next gathering. Whether enjoyed as a main course or side dish, Crack Chicken Pasta Salad delivers comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 8 minutes per side). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into pieces.
Add the sliced chicken to the pasta along with crumbled bacon, cubed cheddar cheese, green onions, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing. Toss until well combined and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling and Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 100mg