Creamy Tortellini Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Dressing

When I moved to Oklahoma, I discovered a pizza called “chicken bacon ranch” and this pasta salad is a nod to the flavors in the pizza. If desired, marinate chicken in ranch dressing, and grill chicken to bump up the flavor.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 528 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon milk
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• ⅓ cup chopped cooked bacon
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)
• 8 ounces cubed, cooked chicken
• 2 ½ ounces fresh mozzarella, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in tortellini and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini float to the top and the filling is hot, about 3 minutes. Run tortellini under cold water and drain. Store in the refrigerator until chilled, at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

Stir ranch dressing and milk together in a large bowl. Add chilled pasta, cooked chicken, mozzarella, bacon, green onions, and parsley.

Step 3

Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper if desired.