What the heck is this?
Imagine all the classic Caesar salad goodness — crisp romaine, tangy dressing, salty Parmesan — but with juicy grilled chicken and tender pasta tossed in. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s fresh, creamy, and loaded with flavor, but still light enough that you don’t feel weighed down. Plus, it comes together fast, making it a total winner when you want something satisfying without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of Caesar salad with hearty pasta and protein.
- Creamy dressing without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or add-ins.
- Perfect for make-ahead lunches or quick dinners.
- Great served chilled or at room temperature.
- Kid-friendly and can be doubled for feeding a crowd.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to thin, as needed
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken about 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-size pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired dressing consistency.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, chopped romaine, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and croutons. Pour dressing over everything and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Perfect for lunches on the go or easy dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Pair with garlic bread or a light soup for a full meal.
Switch It Up
- Swap grilled chicken for crispy bacon or cooked shrimp.
- Add avocado or cucumbers for extra creaminess and crunch.
- Use kale or spinach instead of romaine for a nutrient boost.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook pasta and chicken a day ahead. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp. Toss just before eating.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Shred it and toss it in for an even faster meal.
Q: How long does this salad keep?
A: Up to 2 days refrigerated — keep dressing separate if possible.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free mayo and omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Q: Can I use a store-bought Caesar dressing?
A: Totally. Homemade just adds that extra fresh flavor, but store-bought works fine too.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: Your New Go-To for Easy, Flavor-Packed Meals
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Imagine all the classic Caesar salad goodness — crisp romaine, tangy dressing, salty Parmesan — but with juicy grilled chicken and tender pasta tossed in. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s fresh, creamy, and loaded with flavor, but still light enough that you don’t feel weighed down. Plus, it comes together fast, making it a total winner when you want something satisfying without fuss.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Salad:
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
For the Caesar Dressing:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Water to thin, as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken about 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-size pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired dressing consistency.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, chopped romaine, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and croutons. Pour dressing over everything and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Perfect for lunches on the go or easy dinners.
Notes
Swap grilled chicken for crispy bacon or cooked shrimp.
Add avocado or cucumbers for extra creaminess and crunch.
Use kale or spinach instead of romaine for a nutrient boost.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~38g