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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A comforting and creamy mix of pasta, chicken, and classic Caesar flavors that makes a perfect dish for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Base Ingredients
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, fusilli, or bow ties), cooked al dente
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver) Can substitute with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped Can swap for kale for a bolder flavor.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Optional for added freshness.
  • 1/2 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving.
  • 1 cup croutons, rustic or garlic-flavored
  • 1/3 cup Caesar dressing, homemade or store-bought See notes for a simple homemade version.
  • 1/2 each lemon, juice of Adds brightness.
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper and flaky sea salt
Optional Add-ins
  • capers, chopped anchovies, or a drizzle of olive oil For extra richness.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking.
Preparing Ingredients
  1. While the pasta cooks, chop the romaine, halve the cherry tomatoes, and grate the Parmesan.
  2. Warm the cooked chicken if desired in a skillet with a knob of butter or drizzle of olive oil until heated through.
Assembling the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, romaine, tomatoes, and half the Parmesan.
  2. Spoon in the Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat.
  3. Add lemon juice, pepper, and salt to taste.
  4. Stir in the croutons just before serving.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan and more cracked pepper. For different textures, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, store components separately. Croutons should be kept separate until serving. Add proteins or veggies as desired for variations.