Description
A spicy and creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad that combines tender shredded chicken tossed in hot buffalo sauce with crisp vegetables and rotini pasta, all coated in tangy blue cheese dressing. Perfect for a flavorful, chilled dish that’s easy to prepare and great for potlucks or a quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 3 cups rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
Sauce and Dressing
- 1/2 cup hot buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.
- Toss Chicken with Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and hot buffalo wing sauce. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the sauce for robust flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced celery, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl with the chicken. Mix well to evenly distribute the veggies.
- Combine Pasta and Dressing: In the same bowl, add the cooled pasta. Pour the blue cheese dressing over the pasta and toss everything until well combined, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Fold in Cheese and Parsley: Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese and chopped parsley. Mix until all ingredients are well distributed for added tang and freshness.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to enhance the overall flavor.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad as a refreshing and spicy meal or side dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce according to your preference.
- You can substitute blue cheese dressing with ranch dressing if preferred.
- Make sure to rinse pasta after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep pasta from sticking.
- This salad tastes best after chilling to let flavors blend.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
