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Easy Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – Family-Friendly Lunch or Dinner Idea

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, combining classic Caesar flavors with tender grilled chicken and perfectly cooked pasta — perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dressing Ingredients (Homemade Option):

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil; grill or pan-sear until cooked, then slice or cube.
  3. Wash and chop romaine lettuce.
  4. Prepare dressing: whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan.
  5. Toss pasta, chicken, lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan with dressing. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Chill salad at least 30 minutes. Serve garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing.
  • Cool pasta completely before combining to keep lettuce crisp.
  • Toast homemade croutons for extra flavor.
  • Marinate chicken briefly for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling, Boiling
  • Cuisine: American