Print

Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad: The Best Weeknight Dinner

creamy chicken pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

This isn’t your average, sad pasta salad. It’s a creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. The secret is a perfectly balanced dressing and simple technique that keeps the chicken juicy and the pasta perfectly textured.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 2 cups (about 300g) cooked, shredded or diced chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240ml) good-quality mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (75g) diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup (30g) finely diced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes
  • 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While pasta cooks, shred or dice the cooked chicken. In a small bowl, toss chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Make the Creamy Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: Add cooled pasta, seasoned chicken, thawed peas, diced red bell pepper, and soaked red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. If dry, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  5. Finish and Chill: Gently fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir and add a splash of milk or extra dressing if thickened.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully. If making ahead, store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To revive the dressing after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of milk or extra mayonnaise. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free yogurt. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta salad, easy pasta salad, weeknight dinner, potluck recipe, chicken salad, pasta salad with chicken, creamy dressing

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-creamy-chicken-pasta-salad-the-best-weeknight-dinner/