Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing pasta)
- 1–2 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2–4 tbsp cold water or milk (for thinning)
- 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ½ cup cucumber, diced (optional)
- ½ cup croutons
- Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook chicken by pan-frying, grilling, or baking until 165°F. Rest 5-10 min, then dice into ½–¾ inch cubes.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with olive oil.
- Prepare dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, anchovy paste (optional), black pepper, and salt. Thin with cold water or milk to desired consistency.
- In large bowl, combine pasta and diced chicken. Toss with two-thirds of dressing.
- Add lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and remaining dressing. Toss gently. Chill 1–2 hours.
- Before serving, add croutons, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and grind fresh black pepper on top.
Notes
- Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Add croutons before serving. Freezing not recommended due to lettuce and dressing separation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Salad
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg