This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and tasty meal! Packed with tender chicken, pasta, crunchy lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing, it’s perfect for busy days.
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up. Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a satisfying dish that feels fancy but is ready in no time—great for lunch or dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini or penne works great for this salad. If you have other pasta on hand, feel free to use it! Fusilli or farfalle can add interesting shapes and textures.
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is super convenient. If you have leftover grilled or baked chicken, that works too! For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or grilled tofu instead.
Caesar Dressing: You can use store-bought dressing for speed. If you want to make your own, combine yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan. For a lighter version, opt for a vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but any leafy greens like spinach or arugula can fit in well. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great pasta is cooking it al dente—firm to the bite. Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. We’re aiming for a slight firmness!
- Test the pasta a minute before the cooking time by taking a piece out and tasting it.
- Once ready, drain it in a colander. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy in the salad!
20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (can use rotisserie chicken)
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is quick and easy, taking only about 20 minutes to prepare! You’ll spend some time cooking the pasta and then mixing everything together, making it a perfect choice for a fast lunch or dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Let it drain well.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and Caesar dressing. Mix everything well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing. This will add lots of flavor to your salad!
3. Add the Fresh Ingredients:
Next, add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the lettuce. We want it to stay fresh and crunchy!
4. Season and Finish:
Now, season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like a bit of crunch, add the croutons and give a light toss. This will give your salad a delightful texture.
5. Serve or Store:
Serve your delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. If you’re not eating it right away, refrigerate it for later. Enjoy your quick and tasty salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and penne work great, you can substitute with any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You sure can! To make it ahead, prepare all the ingredients except for the dressing and croutons. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, mix in the Caesar dressing and croutons to keep them crispy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta salad may absorb some dressing over time, so you can add a little extra Caesar dressing before serving it again to freshen it up!
Can I Substitute the Caesar Dressing?
Yes, if you’re looking for a healthier option or have a different taste preference, you can use a Greek yogurt-based dressing, ranch dressing, or even a vinaigrette. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile a bit!
