This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a perfect summer dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with hearty pasta. Made with juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and croutons, it’s a filling yet light recipe that is quick to make, taking less than an hour. The creamy Caesar dressing ties everything together, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

• ¾ tsp salt

• ¾ tsp ground pepper

• ¾ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 8 oz dry penne pasta

• 1 ½ cups croutons

• 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• ¾ cup Caesar dressing

• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

   • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken on both sides for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

   • Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest. Once cooled, cut it into cubes and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool down.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken cubes, pasta, croutons, chopped lettuce, Caesar dressing, and parmesan cheese.

   • Toss everything together until well mixed.

4. Serve:

   • Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 621

• Carbohydrates: 54 g

• Protein: 24 g

• Fat: 34 g

• Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Cholesterol: 61 mg

• Sodium: 1247 mg

• Potassium: 472 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Vitamin A: 3155 IU

• Calcium: 151 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad lies in its simplicity and the perfect blend of flavors and textures. It brings together the best parts of a classic Caesar salad—juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and croutons—and adds the comforting element of pasta. Penne pasta works particularly well here because its tubular shape allows the dressing to cling to each piece, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

The creamy Caesar dressing adds the right amount of richness without overwhelming the dish, while the grated Parmesan cheese gives a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste. The croutons add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and pasta, making every forkful more interesting.

Cooking the Chicken

For this recipe, the chicken breasts are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, allowing the natural flavor of the chicken to shine. Cooking the chicken in olive oil over medium heat ensures a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s important to let it rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.

Cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes makes it easy to mix into the salad and ensures that each serving has a good amount of protein. If you’re short on time, you can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.

Cooking the Pasta

The penne pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once drained, let the pasta cool to avoid wilting the lettuce when everything is mixed together. Cooling the pasta also helps it absorb the Caesar dressing better, making each bite of pasta flavorful.

The pasta provides the base for the salad, adding substance and helping to make the dish more filling. It balances out the freshness of the lettuce and the richness of the dressing, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.

The Caesar Dressing

The creamy Caesar dressing is the heart of this dish, adding richness and depth of flavor. The dressing is a perfect complement to the chicken, pasta, and vegetables, binding all the ingredients together. While store-bought Caesar dressing works fine, making your own dressing can elevate the dish. The tanginess of the dressing balances out the richness of the chicken and pasta, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Assembling the Salad

Once the chicken and pasta are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, croutons, chopped lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. The key is to toss the salad gently, ensuring that each component is coated evenly, but without breaking the pasta or wilting the lettuce.

For extra crunch and flavor, you can add more croutons or sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with additional sides to make it even more filling. A light side salad with a vinaigrette or a fresh vegetable dish would complement the creamy richness of the pasta salad. For a heartier meal, serve it with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover dressing.

This dish is great served immediately, but it also holds up well in the fridge for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead meals. Just be sure to add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a wonderful combination of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and loved by everyone. The creamy Caesar dressing adds a delicious richness, while the chicken provides protein, and the pasta makes it hearty. The vegetables add freshness, and the croutons provide a satisfying crunch.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite add-ins, whether it’s extra veggies, a different protein, or even a handful of nuts for added texture. The beauty of this salad is that you can make it your own, adjusting the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of classic Caesar salad and hearty pasta salad, making it a filling and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. With tender chicken, pasta, crisp lettuce, and a creamy dressing, this dish is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a picnic dish, or a satisfying dinner, this recipe has you covered. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it as a weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.