Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe – A Great Side Dish!

Some of my favorite recipes that I use today have come from family members and this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is one of them.  When I’m on the hunt for a great side dish that will also fill the belly, this is my go-to!  I love that it’s adaptable and I can add extra veggies if I feel like it too.  The best part for me, though, is the fact that this recipe is EASY… because who has time to be in the kitchen all day!?

Cold Pasta!?

It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized cold pasta salads could be yummy.  (Am I alone in this!?!)  I grew up eating casseroles and mac and cheese, both always served hot.  The ONLY pasta dish I had ever been served cold was an egg and pasta salad and to this day, I still don’t like it.  Many year ago, though, my aunt served up this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe at a graduation party and I was hooked!

The Ingredients

16 ounces pasta (any style)
1 can chicken
1/3 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
1/2-1 cup diced peppers (I like to use a variety of red, green, orange, and yellow for a blast of color.)
1 cup mayo (not Miracle Whip)
1 cup granulated sugar
dash of milk

Directions

1. Boil a pot of water and cook pasta according to pasta directions.  Be sure you don’t overcook as you don’t want mushy noodles.
2. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water.  Set aside.
   
3. Dice peppers and set aside.
   
4. Drain the chicken and shred.  Set aside.  (***PRO TIP:  Use your electric hand held beaters for this!  It’ll be shredded perfectly in just seconds.)
   
5. In a small bowl, beat the may, sugar, and dash of milk until smooth.
   
6. In a separate bowl, gently stir together the pasta, drained chicken, frozen peas, diced peppers, shredded cheese, and creamy mixture.
   
7. Mix until everything is combined and fully coated in sauce.
   
8. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or more).  Keep chilled until served.
9. Enjoy!

I love how this recipe can be adapted to personal preferences as well.  You can easily add additional vegetables to bulk it up.  Switch out the shredded cheese for chunks of block cheese for a heartier punch.  Add in mini pepperonis for an extra protein.  There’s so much you can do!

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Yield: 12 servings

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - A Great Side Dish!

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This cold pasta salad is a great choice for picnics, family gatherings, and holidays! It's a sweet salad that kids and adults love.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 16 ounces pasta (any style)
• 1 can chicken
• 1/3 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1/2-1 cup diced peppers (I like to use a variety of red, green, orange, and yellow for a blast of color.)
• 1 cup mayo (not Miracle Whip)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• dash of milk

Instructions

1. Boil a pot of water and cook pasta according to pasta directions.  Be sure you don't overcook as you don't want mushy noodles.
2. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water.  Set aside.
3. Dice the peppers. Set aside.
4. Drain the chicken and shred.  Set aside.
5. In a small bowl, beat the mayo, sugar, and dash of milk until smooth.
6. In a separate bowl, gently stir together the pasta, drained chicken, frozen peas, diced peppers, shredded cheese, and creamy mixture.
7. Mix until everything is combined and fully coated in sauce.
8. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or more).  Keep chilled until served.
9. Enjoy!

Notes

**You can alter this salad easily to your preferences and add additional veggies to bulk it up too.

**Great options to add include: broccoli, sliced carrots, and cauliflower.

**If you really love cheese, slice up a block of cheese in place of the shredded cheese for larger chunks.

**Add mini pepperonis for an additional protein source.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 291Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 199mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 6g

These nutritional facts are offered only as an estimate and could vary slightly.

Did you make this recipe?

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If you’re looking for some more meal inspiration, this salad pairs great with this Classic Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe.

So tell me, do you plan to give this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe a try?