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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

A delicious and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, perfect for lunch, dinner, potlucks, or barbecues! Combines tender chicken, pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 work well)
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • Optional: 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
  6. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
  7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes.
  8. After the chicken has rested, cut it into bite-sized pieces or slice it thinly, depending on your preference. Set aside.
  9. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  10. Add the tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
  11. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
  12. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander.
  13. Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
  14. Set the cooked pasta aside to cool slightly.
  15. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  16. Add the black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  17. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
  18. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but it really enhances the taste.
  19. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and the cooked chicken pieces.
  20. If you’re using red onion or bacon, add them to the bowl as well.
  21. Pour about half of the Caesar dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Add more dressing as needed, but be careful not to overdress it. You want the salad to be coated, not swimming in dressing.
  22. Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese to the salad. Gently toss again.
  23. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for later. If you’re chilling it, you might want to add the croutons just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
  24. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking them in a skillet.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Just shred the chicken and add it to the salad.
  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version.
  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or broccoli florets.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Caesar dressing for a little heat.
  • Homemade Croutons: Make your own croutons by tossing cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese, then baking them in the oven until golden brown.
  • Anchovies: For a more authentic Caesar dressing flavor, add a couple of anchovy fillets to the dressing.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing for extra citrusy flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The croutons may get soggy over time, so it’s best to add them just before serving.
  • Make Ahead Tips:
    • You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.
    • The Caesar dressing can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • When you’re ready to assemble the salad, simply combine all the ingredients and toss with the dressing.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad as a main course for lunch or dinner.
    • It’s also a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.
    • Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
    • For a more complete meal, add a grilled salmon fillet or a veggie burger.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

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Find it online: https://homecookmaria.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/