Bowtie Seasoning Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

By Golden Steer

Close-up of Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad showcasing bowtie pasta, chicken, bacon, peas, carrots, and green onions in a bowl

Pasta salad rarely gets this much credit — but this one earns it. Inspired by the recipe from @apartmentcook, this dish builds around Bowtie Seasoning in two places: pressed generously into pan-seared chicken thighs for a golden, lemon pepper crust, and stirred into the ranch dressing for a bright, herby finish that ties the whole bowl together. Sergio’s Seasoning and Pepper Mafia build the savory base on the chicken, while crispy bacon, sweet peas, tender carrots, and fresh scallions round out every bite. It’s the kind of pasta salad that works as a side or holds its own as the main event — and it gets better the longer it sits.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

For the Chicken

For the Pasta Salad

  • 3 cups cooked short pasta
  • 5 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • ½ cup green peas, blanched
  • ½ cup carrots, blanched and diced

For the Bowtie Ranch Dressing

  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp Bowtie Seasoning
  • Fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Directions

  1. Cook the base ingredients: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Blanch the peas and carrots in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and set aside. Allow everything to cool completely.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry. Season generously with Sergio’s Seasoning and Pepper Mafia on all sides, then coat thoroughly with Bowtie Seasoning.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine the ranch, lemon juice, Bowtie Seasoning, and chives if using. Whisk until well combined.
  5. Assemble: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chopped chicken, bacon, scallions, peas, and carrots. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled — the flavors develop nicely as it sits.
  7. Enjoy!

ELEMENTS AND INSPIRATION

Add these staples to your culinary repertoire to create this recipe and more at home.

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