Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A quick and refreshing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining tender pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, crisp Romaine hearts, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing made from Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying 20-minute meal in a bowl.


Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Main Salad

  • 8 oz. uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
  • 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts (about 2 cups)
  • Croutons (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving


Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, and finely grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, and shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is thoroughly coated.
  4. Serve and Garnish. Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Top with optional croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a cooler salad.

Notes

  • Whip up a 20-minute meal in a bowl with this simple and flavorful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad featuring a DIY Caesar dressing.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut or cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
  • Adding croutons is optional but adds a nice crunch.
  • The salad is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 277 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 231 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 39 mg