Description
Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that doubles as the perfect picnic dish? This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad delivers comfort and freshness in every bite. Made with tender pasta, juicy chicken, a rich and tangy dressing, and topped with toasted pine nuts, this salad is ideal for meal prep, lunchboxes, potlucks, or light dinners. It’s a go-to option when you want something satisfying yet simple. Perfect for anyone browsing for easy dinner ideas, meal prep food ideas, or a quick creamy pasta salad recipe that impresses without the fuss.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, fusilli, or orecchiette)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (plus extra for garnish)
Juice of half a lemon
Optional: chopped cooked bacon, olives, or pickles for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
2. Cook chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper, or use rotisserie. Chop or shred.
3. In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Add cooked pasta, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, spinach, parsley, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to the dressing. Toss gently.
5. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Stir before serving and garnish with extra parsley and pine nuts.
Notes
Use al dente pasta to avoid mushy texture.
Toasting the pine nuts adds depth and crunch—don’t skip it.
Letting the salad chill for 30+ minutes enhances flavor blending.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad/Main Dish
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg