This Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, pasta, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing for a tasty treat. It’s both filling and refreshing, perfect for lunch or dinner!
I love how quick it is to make. Just cook the pasta, toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness. Perfect for meal prep too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is great for holding the dressing well. If you don’t have penne, try rotini, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta. They all give a fun texture!
Chicken: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick cooking time. Grilled or rotisserie chicken are excellent substitutes if you’re short on time or want a bit more flavor.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine adds crunch, but feel free to swap with spinach or kale if that’s what you have. They add their own lovely flavors!
Caesar Dressing: Store-bought dressing saves time, but homemade is awesome if you want control over ingredients. A yogurt-based dressing can lighten it up if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier choice or prefer a vegetarian version, you can use croutons alone or opt for turkey bacon.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly for This Salad?
Cooking chicken so it’s juicy and flavorful is essential. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper. This builds flavor right from the start.
- Heat oil in your skillet to medium-high. This helps get a nice sear.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want a golden crust!
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy when you cut into it.
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked chicken every time, making your pasta salad even more delicious!
Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup cooked crispy bacon pieces
- 1 cup croutons (preferably garlic or classic Caesar-style)
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Total Time Needed:
This delicious pasta salad will take about 25 minutes to prepare and assemble. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, then just a few more minutes mixing everything together. If you decide to let it chill for 30 minutes, you’ll enhance the flavors even more!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature). After cooking, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, cooked chicken pieces, crispy bacon, and croutons. This is where the magic begins—give it a gentle toss to mix everything together without breaking the croutons.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together gently so that the Caesar dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Don’t be afraid to add more dressing if you like it on the creamier side!
5. Finish and Serve:
Top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese and, if you fancy it, add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for an extra kick. You can either serve this salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors even more. Enjoy your fabulous Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into the salad for quick and easy preparation.
What Can I Substitute for the Caesar Dressing?
If you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice and anchovy paste. You can also use ranch or any favorite creamy dressing if you prefer a different flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up some dressing, so you might need to add a little extra dressing when you reheat or serve it again.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and bacon, and add more veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Also consider adding chickpeas for extra protein!
