Chicken & Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Corn Free, Meal Prep, Nut Free, Soy Free

699 Calories | 41g Protein | 60g Carbs | 33g Fat | 8g Fiber

35 minutes | 4 servings

This pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, tender chicken, sharp cheddar, perfectly cooked rotini, and tangy ranch dressing that covers every bite of. It's satisfying in that stick-to-your-ribs kind of way.

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Why You'll Love This

It comes together in about 35 minutes from start to finish and if you make it ahead of time, it’ll actually taste better the next day after all the flavors have married. When you need something substantial that doesn't require standing over a hot stove, this hits every note without the energy drain.

The Nutrition Profile

This recipe delivers a whopping 41g of protein per serving. You're getting that protein from multiple sources here: the chicken, bacon, cheese, and even the whole wheat pasta all contribute. At 699 calories per serving, this is a complete meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.

The whole wheat pasta adds 8g of fiber, and unlike simple carbs that send your blood sugar on a roller coaster, the combination of protein, fat, and fiber here provides steady energy. The cherry tomatoes bring vitamin C and lycopene, while the cheddar cheese adds calcium, which matters more as bone density naturally decreases with age.

The Ingredient List

Everything here is straightforward and easy to find at any grocery store. The whole wheat rotini holds up better than regular pasta when you're making this ahead, and it adds that nutty flavor and extra fiber, but use what ya got. For the ranch dressing, use whatever brand you like best, or make your own if you're feeling ambitious.

Dairy Free? Use a plant-based ranch dressing and swap the cheddar for a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor profile stays surprisingly similar.

Gluten Free? Just grab your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea or lentil pasta varieties work great here and bump up the protein even more.

Additional flavor ideas: A squeeze of lime juice, a spoonful of salsa, or hot sauce mixed into the dressing takes this in a Southwestern direction. Top individual servings with diced avocado right before eating so it doesn't brown.

The Practical Stuff

This stores in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and honestly, day two is when it's at its peak. All those flavors meld together beautifully overnight. One serving is about two cups, which is genuinely filling.

Again, this is a complete meal all on its own so make this on a day when you have decent energy, then you've got lunch or dinner sorted for the next few days without having to think about it. You can eat it cold straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes if you prefer. No reheating means no extra dishes and no heating up the kitchen.

The Method

Start by adding the rotini to boiling water and cook to al dente. While that's happening, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place your chicken breasts (halved lengthwise so they cook faster) and bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping everything halfway through. The chicken should hit 165°F internally, and the bacon should be crispy but not burned. Pull everything out and let it cool slightly while you drain and cool your pasta.

Once the chicken and bacon are cool enough to handle, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

In a large bowl, toss your pasta and chopped chicken with the ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now fold in the cubed cheddar, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and that crispy bacon. Toss everything together until it's well combined.

Stick the whole bowl in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to let everything chill and the flavors to start mingling. Right before serving, top with fresh microgreens for a little peppery bite and visual appeal.

Why This Works

This pasta salad nails the trifecta of being filling, flavorful, and flexible. The combination of textures keeps it interesting, from the tender pasta and chicken to the crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes, all tied together with that creamy, tangy ranch.

It's substantial enough to be a complete meal without needing sides and making it ahead actually improves it. When you need real food that doesn't require a production every single day, this is exactly the kind of recipe that carries its weight in your weekly rotation.

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