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Chicken Pasta Salad

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.

Course Side Dish
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 people

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

  1. 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.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

  3. Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, bacon bits, thawed peas, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl.

  4. Toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill.

  6. 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.