A flavorful, hearty pasta salad combining seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, fresh romaine, and creamy dressings.

Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-packed – chicken and bacon make it ultra-satisfying

Creamy & crunchy – croutons add texture alongside crisp lettuce

Dual dressings – caesar and ranch meld into a tangy-savory finish

Versatile – serve chilled or at room temp; ideal for gatherings

Customizable – swap seasonings or add veggies to suit your taste

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken & seasonings – diced breast tossed in poultry or Cajun blend

Bacon – diced and crisped for smoky crunch

Short pasta – rotini or fusilli hold dressing beautifully

Romaine & croutons – fresh greens and garlic-butter bites

Cheeses & dressings – parmesan, caesar, and ranch create a creamy coating

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cook bacon first – crisp it, drain fat, then use remaining grease to flavor chicken

Pat chicken dry – helps seasonings stick and promotes browning

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping

Add lettuce & croutons last if saving leftovers to avoid wilting and sogginess

Chill briefly – a 10-minute rest in the fridge melds flavors before serving

How to Make Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
In a skillet over medium-low, cook diced bacon until golden; drain on paper towels, reserving 1 Tbsp bacon fat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season diced chicken with poultry seasoning.

n the same skillet, add olive oil and reserved fat; cook chicken 3–4 min per side until 165 °F.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water, cook pasta to al dente per package; drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bacon, parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, caesar, and ranch.

Step 5: Finish & Serve
Top with chopped romaine and crushed croutons.

Garnish with extra parmesan and seasoning, then serve immediately or chill briefly.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)

Fruit platter (melon, grapes) for a refreshing contrast

Crusty bread or garlic knots

Variations & Substitutions

Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist

Use bacon bits or pancetta

Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or roasted corn

Replace croutons with sunflower seeds or toasted almonds

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days

Keep romaine and croutons separate if prepping ahead

Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes—rotisserie or grilled chicken works; simply chop and add at Step 4.

How do I prevent soggy pasta?
Rinse under cold water and toss with a splash of oil before adding dressing.

Is this freezer-friendly?
No—lettuce and croutons lose texture when frozen.

What dressings can I substitute?
Blue cheese or Italian vinaigrette both pair well.

Can I make it fully ahead?
Prep components separately; assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

What’s salad supreme seasoning?
A blend of garlic, parsley, onion, and herbs; adjust amount to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad balances creamy, smoky, and fresh elements in every forkful.

Quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable, it’s destined to become a go-to for any meal or occasion.