This Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad brings together tender chicken, tasty pasta, crunchy romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing. It’s a meal that’s both filling and refreshing!
This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic. I love how it comes together so fast—just mix everything and enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is great for holding onto the dressing. You can switch it for rotini or farfalle if you like a different shape! Whole wheat pasta is a healthy alternative if you’re looking for extra fiber.
Chicken: I usually go for rotisserie chicken for ease. You can use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or chopped tofu work well!
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine offers a nice crunch, but you can also use kale or spinach for a different texture. Just remember that kale needs a good massage to soften it up before using.
Caesar Dressing: Store-bought dressing is quick, but homemade tastes amazing! You can substitute with yogurt-based dressing for a lighter version or use a vegan Caesar dressing if you prefer.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta to perfection is crucial for your salad’s texture. Follow these tips for great results:
- Use a large pot of salted boiling water to cook your pasta. This helps flavor the pasta!
- Stir occasionally to avoid sticking during cooking.
- Check the package for cooking times, but test a minute before the recommended time to ensure it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare. Cooking the pasta will take approximately 10-12 minutes, while mixing the salad ingredients will only take about 5-10 minutes. If you prefer to chill the salad before serving, just add an extra 20-30 minutes for that!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop it from cooking further. Set it aside.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, chopped cooked chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce. This mix is the heart of your salad!
3. Add Dressing & Cheese:
Pour the Caesar dressing and the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing—the pasta should be fully coated, and the chicken and lettuce should be well mixed in.
4. Season to Taste:
Now, sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again lightly to distribute the seasoning without breaking up the lettuce too much.
5. Serve or Chill:
Transfer your delicious salad to a serving bowl. If you like, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a nice touch. You can serve it immediately, or if you want the flavors to meld beautifully, cover it and place it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your fresh and creamy Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled, roasted, or even baked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
How Can I Make This Vegetarian?
You can easily make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and adding chickpeas or edamame for protein. Additionally, you could use grilled tofu for a hearty option!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing, so add a splash more before serving if needed!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad stores well! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. If you’re making it the night before, consider adding the dressing right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp!
