I make this chicken pasta salad with bacon and peas whenever I need something easy, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear at a summer BBQ or potluck.
I'm always looking for recipes that feel a little extra without requiring a ton of work. Cold pasta salads are one of my favorite lazy girl party foods because you can make them ahead and forget about them until it's time to eat.
You'll love this easy chicken pasta salad because it's packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and comes together with simple ingredients. The creamy dressing, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and sweet peas make every bite feel like comfort food in pasta salad form.
Things to Know Before Making Chicken Pasta Salad
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing to keep the dressing creamy.
- Rotisserie chicken works great if you want to save time.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend together.
- Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a prettier, party-ready presentation.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it feels hearty enough to be a meal but still works as a side dish for parties.
If you're into easy, aesthetic recipes, you'll love these too: Cowboy Pasta Salad with Ground Beef, Simple Greek Pasta Salad Recipe, and Simple Bacon Pasta Salad With Ranch.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Short pasta: Rotini or penne hold the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Cooked chicken: Adds protein and makes the salad filling enough for lunch or dinner.
- Cooked bacon bits: Bring smoky, salty flavor to every bite.
- Frozen peas: Add color, sweetness, and texture.
- Shredded mozzarella: Makes the salad extra creamy and satisfying.
- Shaved Parmesan: Adds a salty finish and elevates the flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the rich, creamy dressing base.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and balances the richness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and keeps it from tasting heavy.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
You'll also need a large pot for cooking the pasta and a large mixing bowl.
Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.
How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse under cool water, then let it cool completely before assembling the salad.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, peas, and mozzarella to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then top with shaved Parmesan before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the chicken for turkey or diced ham.
- Replace mozzarella with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Add diced red onion for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in chopped broccoli or cucumber for even more veggies.
What to Serve with Chicken Pasta Salad
This creamy chicken pasta salad pairs perfectly with sliders, picnic foods, and sandwiches. For a lighter option, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad for an easy summer meal.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving if the dressing settles. This recipe is not freezer-friendly since the creamy dressing can separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in chicken pasta salad?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest ways to make chicken pasta salad quickly while adding great flavor.
Can I make chicken pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. This easy chicken pasta salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours because the flavors have time to blend.
What pasta works best for chicken pasta salad?
Rotini and penne are great choices because they hold onto the creamy dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the peas?
Yes. Sweet corn, diced green beans, or chopped broccoli all work well in place of peas.
More Easy Salad Recipes
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Easy Chicken Pasta Salad
This easy chicken pasta salad is loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet peas, mozzarella cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing. It's the perfect make-ahead recipe for summer BBQs, potlucks, meal prep lunches, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan (long shavings)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool completely.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, bacon bits, thawed peas, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl.
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Toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill.
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Just before serving, sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve cold.
Recipe Notes
- Rotisserie chicken makes prep even easier.
- Chill before serving for the best flavor.
- Great for meal prep lunches.
- Perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.
- Add extra bacon if you're a bacon lover.
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