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Quick and Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Close-up of a bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad featuring rigatoni, shredded chicken, romaine lettuce, and croutons.
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Make this satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in under 45 minutes. It features grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and a creamy Caesar dressing over pasta, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for chicken
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • For the Creamy Caesar Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup water or milk, to thin

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and a light coating of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred it.
  3. Make the creamy Caesar dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Add water or milk slowly until the dressing reaches your desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and croutons.
  5. Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
  7. Serve cold, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • You can substitute kale for romaine lettuce if you prefer a heartier green, but add it just before serving so it does not wilt too much.
  • For easy meal prep, store the croutons separately and add them right before eating to keep them crunchy.
  • This salad holds up well for lunches if you keep the dressing slightly thick.

Nutrition

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