Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavor-packed dish made with simple ingredients perfect for summer BBQs, cookouts, or picnics!
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Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
The best thing about this pasta salad is just how simple it is to make—without sacrificing any flavor.
Don’t let the ease fool you; every ingredient brings something amazing to the table.
From the creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar to the savory chicken, crispy bacon, hearty pasta, and zesty ranch—this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you love pasta salad, be sure to check out my Tuscan tortellini pasta salad and my balsamic pasta salad.
This easy recipe is being shared as part of #BBQWeek with a group of talented bloggers.
Be sure to read to the bottom of this post so you can see all of the other yummy barbecue recipes.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this pasta salad (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are all in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post).
- Rotisserie Chicken – can also use 2 chicken breasts
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Cream Cheese
- Ranch Dressing
- Bacon
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Cavatappi Pasta – can also use fusilli or rotini
Kitchen Supplies
How to Make Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is easily customizable, so if you are not a fan of sharp cheddar, use mild cheddar, Vermont cheddar or a mix of both!
Cook the Bacon
The first thing you want to do is cook the bacon. My favorite way to cook it is to bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
It gets perfectly crispy and is great for weekly meal prep.
Prepare the Pasta
While the bacon is cooking, cook the pasta according to the instructions for the type of pasta you are using. Let cool.
Cut the Chicken
Using a rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. Simply cut the breast meat into cubes or small strips. Try to cut them in similar size and shape.
Add salt and pepper to the chicken.
Prepare the Ranch Dressing
In a large bowl, blend the ranch dressing with 4 oz of cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
We love Ken’s homestyle ranch dressing, but feel free to use your favorite or even make homemade ranch.
Mix Ingredients
Add the chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing and pasta.
Toss together well until blended.
That’s all there is to it! A hearty and delicious summer salad that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Make this pasta salad ahead of time-it tastes even better the next day when all the yummy flavors blend together and it is nice and cold.
Let me know if you give this chicken bacon ranch pasta salad a try. You won’t be disappointed!
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#BBQWeek Recipes
Welcome to #BBQWeek where we celebrate all things barbecue related! From slow cooked pulled pork to grilled chicken, salsa and sides, and delicious pies there’s a recipe that’s perfect for your summer cookout parties.
Monday’s #BBQWeek Recipes
- BBQ Dry Rub Seasoning from Blogghetti
- Cheesy Corn Dip from Art of Natural Living
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad from Our Crafty Mom
- Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Margarita Jello Shots from Easy Recipes for One
- Pellet Smoked Weisswurst from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Pitcher Paloma Cocktail from The Spiffy Cookie
- Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Smoked Leg of Lamb from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great day!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rotisserie chicken - cut into narrow strips or cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese - room temperature
- 8 slices bacon - cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese - diced ½ inch cubes
- 1 cup of Ranch Dressing
- 1 pound cooked Cavatappi Pasta
Instructions
- Cut the rotisserie chicken in 1" cubes or strips.
- Add salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl add the cream cheese and ranch dressing and mix well.
- Add the chicken bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing and pasta.
- Blend until well coated.
- Refrigerate at least 1-2 hours until cold.
- Serve and enjoy.
Recommended Products
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6) Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set - Easy To Clean, Nesting Bowls for Space Saving Storage, Great for Cooking, Baking, Prepping
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 373Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 661mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 20g
You may also enjoy these delicious pasta salad and summer recipes:
- Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Tomatoes Pasta Salad
- 55 Summer Pasta Salad Recipes
- Patriotic Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad
Follow me on social media below:
Inger
Saturday 31st of May 2025
Love that this is a heartier pasta salad!
Christie
Saturday 17th of May 2025
That is one packed pasta salad. Packed with so much flavor and ingredients. I would definitely make this is a main dish and not a side for sure.
Jolene
Saturday 17th of May 2025
Love the shortcut of using the rotisserie chicken and that it's make ahead!
Wendy Klik
Friday 16th of May 2025
Great idea, adding the cream cheese to the dressing. I'm sure it ups the creaminess and flavor.