Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together the comforting appeal of pasta with the bold, savory flavors of a Caesar salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and filled with protein, making it both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this salad is easy to make ahead and stores beautifully. You’ll love the combination of textures—crunchy croutons, crisp lettuce, and tender pasta—and the simplicity of using store-bought Caesar dressing or making your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast, cooked and chopped
rotini or penne pasta
romaine lettuce, chopped
Caesar dressing
Parmesan cheese, grated
croutons
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil (if cooking chicken from scratch)
garlic powder (optional, for seasoning the chicken)
lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
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If cooking chicken from scratch, season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked and golden brown. Let it rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, and Parmesan cheese.
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Pour in the Caesar dressing and toss everything together until well coated.
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Just before serving, add croutons for crunch and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time (if making chicken): 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
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Use grilled chicken for extra smoky flavor.
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Swap romaine for kale or spinach for a different texture and flavor.
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Add cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers for a veggie boost.
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Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
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Try a homemade Caesar dressing for a fresher taste.
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Sprinkle bacon bits for a savory crunch.
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Add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
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Mix in red onion or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, consider storing croutons separately and mixing them in just before serving. This salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, stir in a little extra dressing before serving.
FAQs
How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy in pasta salad?
Toss the lettuce in just before serving, or store it separately and mix it in fresh each time.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds the dressing well and mixes easily.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great meal prep option. Just keep the lettuce and croutons separate until you’re ready to eat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and add chickpeas or roasted tofu for a vegetarian version.
What’s the best Caesar dressing to use?
You can use your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing or make a homemade version for more control over flavor and ingredients.
Should the pasta be cooled before mixing into the salad?
Yes, cool the pasta before adding it to prevent wilting the lettuce and thinning the dressing.
Can I freeze Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the lettuce and dressing do not hold up well after thawing.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add extra protein like hard-boiled eggs or more chicken, and toss in some cooked quinoa or beans.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, it’s hearty enough to serve as a main course, especially with added protein or veggies.
Conclusion
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a deliciously versatile and satisfying dish that brings together the best of two worlds: the creamy richness of Caesar salad and the comfort of pasta. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch, picnic, or family dinner, it’s a recipe that delivers every time. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and cooked pasta into a hearty and satisfying meal. Ideal for lunches, potlucks, or light dinners, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite add-ins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup croutons
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if cooking chicken from scratch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
- If using raw chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add Caesar dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Right before serving, add croutons and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap romaine with kale or spinach for variation.
- Store croutons separately to maintain crunch.
- Best served cold; no reheating necessary.
- Add avocado or bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
