This chicken Caesar pasta salad combines two favorites into one easy, satisfying meal: classic Caesar salad and hearty pasta salad. You get tender pasta, crisp romaine, plenty of chicken, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing in every bite.
It’s a great option for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a make ahead meal when you want something filling without a lot of fuss. Add some crunchy croutons and extra Parmesan on top, and you’ve got a salad that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
- 2 hearts of romaine
- 2 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts
- Croutons, optional
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
First, make the Caesar dressing so it has a little time for all those flavors to come together while you prepare the rest of the salad. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Give the dressing a quick taste and add a little more seasoning if needed. Then, set it aside for now.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the dressing sits, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, or until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 10 minutes, but check the package since cooking times can vary. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken and Romaine
While the pasta is cooking, you can get the rest of the ingredients ready. Cut the romaine hearts into roughly 1 inch pieces and add them to the bowl with the pasta. Then, add your chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut when you’re short on time, but chopped cooked chicken breasts work just as well.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Now, pour your Caesar dressing over the pasta, chicken, and romaine. Gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats all of the ingredients. Take your time here so you don’t crush the romaine or break up the pasta.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once everything is nicely coated, add the croutons (if you’re using them.) Finally, finish the salad with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
You can serve the salad right away, or cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to eat. For the best texture, keep the croutons separate and add them just before serving. That way, they’ll stay nice and crunchy instead of soaking up the dressing.
And that’s it! Creamy, crunchy, savory, and packed with protein, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad turns a classic Caesar into a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.
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