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