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Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Salad

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A creamy, cheesy chicken pasta salad perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta (about 225g), cooked al dente
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse lightly under cold water. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and diced celery.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, gently toss the salad again and optionally garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika.

Notes

Chill the salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and improve texture. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. Soften cream cheese well before mixing to avoid lumps. Crisp bacon well but avoid burning. Adjust seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy crack chicken pasta salad, potluck recipe, chicken pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://grubella.com/creamy-crack-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-for-easy-potluck-feasts/