This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a yummy mix of tender pasta, grilled chicken, crunchy romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing. It’s filling, fresh, and perfect for a meal any time!
Who doesn’t love a salad that feels like a full meal? I often make this for lunch, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. It always gets gobbled up super fast! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is great for holding onto the dressing and other ingredients. If you don’t have penne, ziti or fusilli would work just as well. For a gluten-free option, try rice pasta or quinoa pasta.
Chicken Breast: Cooked chicken is essential here. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or even canned chicken if you are in a pinch. For a vegetarian version, chickpeas or grilled tofu can substitute the chicken.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds nice crunch. If you prefer a different greens taste, feel free to use spinach or kale, just remember that kale will need a little massage to soften its texture.
Caesar Dressing: Store-bought dressing saves time, but homemade is a fun alternative. For a lighter option, you could use yogurt-based dressing. You can also swap it for ranch if you want a different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is best for flavor. If you can’t find it, pecorino romano is a good swap, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Stays Firm and Delicious?
Cooking pasta to the right texture is crucial, especially for salads. You want it to be al dente—cooked but still firm. Follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the penne.
- Check the pasta a minute or two before the package’s recommended cooking time. Drain it once the center is just slightly firm.
- Rinse with cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and cool it down. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy and helps it hold up in the salad.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons (optional for added crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 10 minutes assembling everything together. If you prefer, you can chill it in the refrigerator for up to an hour to let the flavors mix even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce. This is where the base of your salad takes shape!
3. Dress the Salad:
Now it’s time for the delicious part! Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a large spoon to toss everything gently together, making sure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
4. Add Cheese and Season:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and give it another gentle toss. This adds a lovely cheesy flavor! Now, taste the salad and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5. Add Crunch (Optional):
If you like a little crunch, sprinkle croutons on top of the salad just before you serve it. They add a fun texture!
6. Optional Lemon Juice:
For a touch of brightness, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salad. This step adds a refreshing zing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor or let it chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this pasta salad. Just make sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
What Type of Pasta Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have penne pasta, feel free to use other pasta shapes like fusilli, bowties, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just prepare all components separately and mix them together closer to serving time. This prevents the lettuce from wilting. Keep the dressing and croutons separate until just before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the lettuce can become wilted, so it’s best to eat it fresh for optimal crunch!
