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Mark Anthony

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the ultimate blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory. Tossed with tender grilled or rotisserie chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan, and pasta in a bold Caesar dressing—it's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck hit. Serve it cold, make it ahead, and customize it to your heart’s content.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta penne, bowtie, rotini
  • 2 cups cooked chicken grilled or rotisserie
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup Caesar dressing
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese shaved or grated
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Diced avocado

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil until al dente (about 9–12 minutes), then drain and rinse in cold water to halt cooking.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Shred grilled chicken or chop up rotisserie chicken.
  3. Mix Dressing Base: Whisk together Caesar dressing, garlic, and lemon juice.
  4. Toss Pasta & Chicken: In a large bowl, toss pasta and chicken with dressing until evenly coated.
  5. Add Greens & Crunch: Gently fold in Romaine lettuce, Parmesan, and croutons.
  6. Season & Chill: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes—or follow long-tail method for how to make chicken Caesar pasta salad ahead of time.

Notes

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie—they catch all that creamy Caesar dressing and bits of chicken.
Cook pasta just to al dente and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and chill it down fast.
Grill, roast, or pan-sear your chicken breast with garlic, lemon, and Italian seasoning for flavor that holds up.
Toss pasta with dressing while it’s still slightly warm—it helps everything meld together beautifully.
Use a combo of homemade or high-quality Caesar dressing and finish with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Top with shaved Parmesan, homemade croutons, and freshly cracked black pepper for that classic Caesar finish.
Serve cold or at room temperature as a main dish or a hearty side.
Perfect for summer picnics, meal prep lunches, potlucks, or casual backyard dinners.
Pair with garlic bread, sparkling lemonade, or a chilled glass of white wine.
Add halved cherry tomatoes or baby spinach for a colorful twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Assemble pasta, chicken, and dressing up to 1 day ahead—add croutons and fresh greens just before serving.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended—pasta and dressing lose quality when frozen and thawed.
Quick Refresh: Add a splash of dressing or squeeze of lemon juice before serving leftovers to bring it back to life.
Tasty Variations to Try
Bacon Boost: Toss in crispy chopped bacon for smoky crunch.
Southwest Style: Add roasted corn, black beans, avocado, and chipotle Caesar dressing.
Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing and whole wheat pasta for a health-conscious twist.
Veggie-Packed: Add roasted broccoli, grilled zucchini, or red peppers for a heartier texture and flavor.
No-Chicken Option: Swap in chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, or grilled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly bowl.