Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A creamy, fresh, and satisfying pasta salad packed with juicy chicken, crisp romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Pasta Salad
- Method: Boiling, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 cup milk or cream, to thin dressing if needed
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup croutons
Instructions
Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and press lightly.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water, then spread it out to cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Add milk or cream if needed to thin the dressing.
Add the cooled pasta and toss gently to coat.
Add the diced chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Just before serving, toss in the croutons and serve chilled.
Notes
For the best texture, add the croutons just before serving so they stay crisp.
Rinse the pasta well and let it cool completely before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming too thick or sticky.
You can use homemade Caesar dressing for even more flavor.
This salad is great for meal prep, but add the romaine and croutons fresh if making ahead.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/
