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As the warmer months approach, many home cooks seek refreshing meal options that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Enter the Chilled Chicken & Crispy Bacon Pasta Delight—a versatile dish that embodies the essence of summer dining. This chilled pasta salad not only makes for an ideal centerpiece at picnics and barbecues, but it also serves as a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeknights. With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and balanced nutrition, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Cold Chicken & Bacon Pasta Salad

Dive into summer with the refreshing Chilled Chicken & Crispy Bacon Pasta Delight! This easy-to-make pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and busy weeknights. With tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and colorful veggies, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The creamy dressing ties it all together, making every bite irresistible. Ideal for meal prep or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones all season long!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) penne pasta

1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (using rotisserie chicken is an excellent option)

6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for a savory garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, adding a pinch of salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook following the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they are crispy and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, thawed peas, and chopped fresh basil. Gently toss the mixture to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

        Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss all ingredients until every component is well-coated with the dressing, ensuring a flavorful blend.

            Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully together.

              Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, take a moment to give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve cold and delight in your refreshing Chilled Chicken & Crispy Bacon Pasta Salad!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour 20 minutes | Serves 4-6