Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of creamy Caesar dressing, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, all tossed with crisp romaine and topped with Parmesan cheese. Ideal for picnics or cozy dinners, this visually stunning dish is packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quick meal, this adaptable salad will elevate any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
- 4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
- Boil the Pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing and lemon juice.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta, sliced chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle dressing mixture over the salad and toss gently until coated.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Transfer to plates or serve family-style in one bowl; drizzle remaining dressing on top if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg