Name: Creamy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon

Creamy Pasta Salad : Quick potluck side.

Ah, the creamy pasta salad: a potluck staple that never fails to delight. Imagine a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing, with tender pasta, savory flavors, and a hint of aromatic herbs. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings, this creamy pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

While this recipe is a standout, I’ve found that sometimes, a good cream-based sauce can elevate an otherwise ho-hum pasta dish. If you’re a fan of creamy sauces, be sure to check out my Related Recipe for a killer creamy tomato sauce. It’s a game-changer!

🛒 Quick Shopping List

12 oz bowtie pasta

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)

Why This Recipe Works

By using a mix of cream and mayonnaise, we’re able to achieve a rich and creamy sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick and helps to balance out the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.
The fresh parsley and dill add a bright and refreshing flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to cream-based sauces, it’s all about the quality of the ingredients. Parmesan cheese is a must-have for this recipe – it adds a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to replicate with other cheeses. Be sure to choose a high-quality brand like Avedano’s for the best results.

For the freshest flavor, be sure to use high-quality herbs like parsley and dill. You can find these at most grocery stores or Produce123.com. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your herb selection – fresh basil or thyme would also be delicious in this recipe!

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Creamy Pasta Salad

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon

Directions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Toss gently until all of the ingredients are well coated with the mayonnaise mixture.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Just before serving, garnish with additional parsley or dill if desired. Enjoy!

Storage & Reheating

If you’re not planning to serve the creamy pasta salad immediately, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also reheat the salad in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to warm it through.