This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic Caesar salad. It’s packed with tender chicken, crunchy croutons, and pasta, all mingled with creamy dressing!
I love how easy it is to make this dish for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s great for sharing, though I usually end up eating it all myself! Who can resist that combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape holds the dressing well, but you can swap it with rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini. Each pasta offers a different bite, so pick what you enjoy!
Chicken: I like using leftover roasted chicken for this recipe. If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly, too. If you’re vegetarian, grilled tofu or chickpeas are great substitutes.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives nice crunch, but you can use spinach or kale for something a bit different. Just remember, if using kale, massage it a bit to tenderize!
Caesar Dressing: Homemade dressing adds flavor, but bottled is perfectly fine if you’re in a hurry. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a yogurt-based Caesar dressing.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best, but pre-grated works in a pinch. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Croutons: These are optional, but they add crunch. If you don’t have them, toasted nuts or seeds can also work well!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfect?
Cooking pasta just right is crucial to the texture of your salad. Begin with boiling salted water – this adds flavor right from the start. Follow these steps:
- Cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Be sure to taste it a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure it’s not overcooked.
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
This keeps your pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with other ingredients!
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad will take you about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend some time cooking the pasta and mixing all the tasty ingredients together. If you like, you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This also helps stop the cooking process!
2. Mixing Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, diced chicken breast, chopped romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing. Gently toss everything together until it’s well mixed. You want to make sure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated with that yummy dressing!
3. Adding Cheese and Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss the salad again to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dish. Now it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it another light toss to mix.
4. Crunch Time!
If you’d like some extra crunch, add the croutons to the salad. Toss gently one more time so the croutons don’t break apart too much. If you have more time, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld nicely!
5. Serving it Up:
Your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is now ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately, or if you’ve chilled it, simply dish it out! Before serving, sprinkle a little freshly ground black pepper on top for that extra touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great in this salad, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
What if I Don’t Have Caesar Dressing?
No problem! You can make a quick homemade Caesar dressing by blending together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of grated Parmesan. Adjust the ingredients to taste for a customized flavor!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance! Just keep it covered in an airtight container in the fridge. If you prefer your croutons crunchy, add them just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing, so feel free to add a splash more Caesar dressing before serving to refresh the flavors!
