Add the small shells to the inner pot of the pressure cooker and cover with water which is about 5 cups. Sprinkle salt over pasta.
1 pound small shell pasta, ½ teaspoon fine grind sea salt
Close the pressure cooking lid and turn the valve to seal. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. When the time is up, immediately release the pressure.
Open the lid and stir the pasta. If there is more than ¼ cup of liquid in the pot, drain the pasta.
Boiling Pasta Stovetop
Fill a large pot with 16 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add 1 Tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Stir. Boil according to package directions, but add 1-2 minutes for slightly sofer pasta.
Drain the pasta and return to pot or place in a large mixing bowl.
Step One Pasta Salad Assembly
Immediately after cooking the pasta, add the frozen peas, diced chicken, diced onions, and ¾ cup of the ranch dressing.
12 ounces frozen peas, 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken, 1½ cups diced red onion
Mix the ingredients together and refrigerate for 4 hours. See the recipe notes if you need to cool the pasta quickly
Step Two Pasta Assembly
Once the pasta has cooled completely, add the diced cucumber, remaining ¾ cup of ranch dressing, ½ cup of ranch mayo or seasoned mayo (see recipe notes) and stir until all ingredients are well blended.
2 cups diced cucumber, ½ cup Ranch Mayo
Salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind the bacon bits will also add some saltiness. Refrigerate until serving.