Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining tender chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing with pasta and crunchy croutons, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp ground pepper
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz dry penne pasta
- 1½ cups croutons
- 3 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- ¾ cup Caesar dressing
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, garlic powder, and ground pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside to cool.
- Step 3: Once cooled, cut the chicken into cubes and set aside.
- Step 4: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and allow it to cool.
- Step 5: In a large salad bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cooked pasta, croutons, chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until everything is well mixed.
- Step 6: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in a bit of Caesar dressing before cooking.
- Use grilled chicken instead of pan-seared for a smoky taste.
- Add cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers for a fresh, colorful twist.
- Substitute penne with rotini or fusilli for a different pasta texture.
Storage
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the croutons separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch. Reheat the chicken separately if desired, but the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this salad?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time. Just make sure it is fully cooked and cut into cubes before mixing with the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Keep the salad ingredients separate when storing and combine just before eating to preserve freshness, especially the croutons and lettuce.
PrintChicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining tender seared chicken breast, al dente penne pasta, crunchy croutons, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing, topped with grated parmesan cheese — perfect for an easy lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 whole chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp ground pepper
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta Salad
- 8 oz. dry penne pasta
- 1½ cup croutons
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¾ cup Caesar dressing
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, garlic powder, and ground pepper, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to cool.
- Cube the Chicken: Once cooled, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and allow to cool slightly, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken, cooked and cooled pasta, croutons, chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated parmesan cheese.
- Mix and Serve: Toss all ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with dressing and mixed well. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta to maintain a firm texture in the salad.
- Allow the chicken to cool before cutting to avoid shredding and moisture loss.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Chicken Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad with Chicken, Easy Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Healthy Chicken Salad
