This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and tasty dish that brings together tender chicken, pasta, crunchy lettuce, and tasty Caesar dressing. It’s like your favorite salad and pasta all in one!
Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, I love how it satisfies my cravings for both carbs and greens. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, so I can have more time for other important things, like eating! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne for its fun shape and ability to hold onto the dressing. If you want a lower-carb option, try zucchini noodles or use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Chicken Breast: Cooked chicken breast is a great source of protein. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or even canned chicken in a pinch. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas make a tasty substitute!
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap it for spinach or mixed greens if you like a different texture or flavor.
Caesar Dressing: While store-bought is convenient, making your own is easy and can be healthier! If vegan, there are several plant-based Caesar dressings available.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a salty kick. If you prefer, shaved Pecorino Romano works well too. For dairy-free, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it just right can elevate your dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with plenty of salted water—about 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time but start checking a minute or two early.
- Look for “al dente,” which means the pasta is still slightly firm when bitten.
- After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool it down for the salad.
Perfectly cooked pasta will make your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad even more delicious!
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Croutons for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 20 minutes to chill in the fridge. Overall, you’ll have a delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool it down and stop the cooking process.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce. This is where we build the base of our salad!
3. Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over your pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. This is what brings the salad together!
4. Season the Salad:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper over the mixture. Mix gently to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed. Don’t forget to taste it! If it needs a little more flavor, feel free to add a pinch of salt.
5. Serve and Chill:
If you love extra crunch, you can top your salad with croutons and additional Parmesan cheese. To make the flavors really pop, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with any short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even bowties. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in your salad!
What If I Don’t Have Caesar Dressing?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade dressing with mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Mix about 1/2 cup of mayo with 1 tbsp lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire, and season to taste!
Can I Add Veggies to This Salad?
Of course! Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for an extra crunch and more nutrition. Just dice them into bite-sized pieces and mix them in with the other ingredients.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems a bit dry upon reheating, just add a touch more dressing to freshen it up before serving again!
