Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad
Transform your dinner routine with this Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad, a simple yet satisfying dish that serves an ample crowd of 8 to 10. Perfectly balanced with tender elbow macaroni, succulent shredded chicken, and vibrant frozen vegetables, this salad is not just a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes. With a tangy ranch dressing that ties everything together, you'll create a meal that is both delicious and frugal, making it ideal for families and those looking to stretch their grocery budgets. Whether you're returning home from a long day or prepping for a picnic, this salad promises delightful leftovers that make for quick and easy lunches the next day.
8-10
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken, shredded
10-12 ounces (leftover or prepackaged)
Elbow Macaroni
8 ounces (dry)
Frozen Vegetables
4 ounces (mixed peas and carrots or choice)
Ranch Dressing
3/4 cup (store-bought)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2
In the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the frozen vegetables and shredded chicken to the pot, allowing them to heat through.
3
Once the pasta and vegetables are cooked, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water to cool them down and stop the cooking process.
4
Transfer the cooled mixture to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.
5
Taste and adjust the seasoning or add more dressing if necessary for your desired creaminess.
6
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad?
It is a simple and satisfying dish made with elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, and vibrant frozen vegetables tossed in a tangy ranch dressing.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves an ample crowd of 8 to 10 people.
What type of pasta is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of dry elbow macaroni.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or prepackaged shredded chicken for convenience.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a frugal meal that helps stretch your grocery budget.
What kind of frozen vegetables should I use?
The recipe suggests using 4 ounces of mixed peas and carrots or your choice of frozen vegetables.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 10-12 ounces of cooked, shredded chicken.
What kind of dressing is used for this pasta salad?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of store-bought ranch dressing.
How long does it take to cook the pasta?
The macaroni usually takes 8-10 minutes to cook until al dente.
When do I add the vegetables and chicken to the pot?
Add the frozen vegetables and shredded chicken to the boiling water during the last 2 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and cools the ingredients down for the salad.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad is served cold.
Can I adjust the amount of dressing?
Yes, you can add more dressing if necessary to reach your desired level of creaminess.
Are the leftovers good for lunch?
Yes, the leftovers make for quick and easy lunches the next day.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh vegetables, though you may need to adjust their cooking time accordingly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: chicken, elbow macaroni, frozen vegetables, and ranch dressing.
Is this a good meal for a picnic?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for picnics as it is served cold and easy to transport.
What makes this recipe 'frugal'?
It uses affordable staples like pasta and frozen veggies, and it is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing salted water to a boil for the macaroni.
Can I use prepackaged chicken?
Yes, prepackaged shredded chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
Is the salad easy to prepare?
Yes, it is a quick and simple meal that can be prepared in about 15-20 minutes plus chilling time.
What should I do if the salad seems dry?
You can add a little extra ranch dressing or a small splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for large families?
Yes, with 8-10 servings, it is perfect for large family meals.
What is the preparation for the macaroni?
The macaroni should be cooked until al dente according to the package directions.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While elbow macaroni is suggested, you can use other small shapes like rotini or shells.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include chicken salad, pasta salad, easy dinner, budget-friendly, and comfort food.
Does this recipe require a lot of dishes?
No, you primarily need one large pot for boiling and one large mixing bowl for tossing.
What is the main flavor profile of this salad?
The salad is savory and creamy with a tangy finish from the ranch dressing.