Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy chicken ranch pasta salad combines tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and a zesty sour cream dressing. A splash of pepperoncini brine makes it the ultimate potluck side dish.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- large bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet Hidden Valley™ Ranch Seasoning, Dressing & Recipe Mix OR 3 tbsp of shaker
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¾ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Cook and Cool the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water until it is fully cool to the touch. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
- Toss the cooled pasta with the olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
Whisk the Ranch Dressing Until Silky
- In a large bowl, whisk the ranch seasoning into the sour cream until smooth and no dry pockets remain. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of pepperoncini brine (if available) to brighten the flavor.
- If the dressing is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk until it falls off the whisk in ribbons.
Combine, Then Let It Chill
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and fold until every piece is coated and glossy.
- Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled bacon. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it in and mix until combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (3 hours is ideal) to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Stir well before serving. If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or extra dressing to restore creaminess.
Notes
The Secret Twist: Whisking in 2 tablespoons of pepperoncini brine adds a zippy acidity that cuts through the richness of the sour cream.
Avoid Dry Salad: Pasta absorbs moisture as it sits. Save a little dressing or add a splash of milk just before serving to revive the creamy texture.
Temperature Matters: Ensure the pasta is completely cool before adding the dressing to prevent the dairy from separating or becoming oily.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 22gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg
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