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30-Minute Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of creamy chicken caesar pasta salad featuring fusilli pasta, romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, and croutons.
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Make this hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in under 30 minutes. It combines tender chicken, pasta, crisp romaine, and a rich, creamy Caesar dressing, making it a satisfying main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced or shredded
  • 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought creamy Caesar dressing
  • 1/2 cup croutons, for topping
  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken if you have not already done so. Season the cooked chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce.
  4. Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta, chicken, and lettuce are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. This step is important for the best taste.
  7. Just before serving, toss the salad again. Top with croutons and optional bacon bits. Serve cold.

Notes

  • For quick chicken, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken breast.
  • If making ahead for meal prep, keep the croutons separate and add them right before eating to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • You can substitute kale for some of the romaine for added texture and nutrition.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/