Are you ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride? Dive into the deliciousness of our Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad—a dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing, all tossed with tender rotini pasta and fresh veggies! Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only a breeze to make but will leave your guests asking for seconds. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that serves six and is sure to become a family favorite. Read on to discover how to create this mouthwatering dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.
- Drain cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooled pasta, chopped celery, and sliced green onions.
- Pour buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad and fold gently to distribute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting buffalo sauce or ranch dressing if needed for desired flavor intensity.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: For the best texture, be sure to cook the rotini pasta until it's al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This will help it hold up better in the salad.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes not only enhances the flavors but also makes it more refreshing when served.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less sauce and add more to taste.
- Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding diced bell peppers or cucumbers to the salad. They will complement the creaminess of the ranch dressing beautifully.
- Make It Ahead: This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Garnish for Appeal: Don’t forget to garnish with additional sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of extra cheese right before serving for that appealing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
