Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Tender chicken, pasta, and romaine in classic Caesar dressing with Parmesan and croutons.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz total)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta
05 - 9 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
→ Vegetables
06 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
→ Caesar Dressing
08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 1/3 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 cup croutons
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
02 - Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes (if using), and sliced chicken.
05 - Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Top with shaved Parmesan and croutons. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Its the dish that disappears first at every gathering, guaranteed
- You get all the satisfying Caesar flavors without turning on your oven
02 -
- The pasta must be completely cooled before adding it to the lettuce, or the greens will wilt instantly
- Letting the chicken rest is non negotiable, cutting it too soon will leave you with dry, tough meat
03 -
- Toast your own croutons from day old bread with olive oil and garlic, the difference is worth the extra 10 minutes
- Whole wheat pasta holds up beautifully here and adds a nutty depth that complements the Caesar flavors