Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Printable)
Tender chicken, crisp romaine, and pasta tossed in classic Caesar dressing with Parmesan and croutons.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz total)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta
05 - 9 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
→ Vegetables
06 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Caesar Dressing
08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
15 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 1/3 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 cup croutons
# Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and sliced chicken strips.
05 - Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Top with shaved Parmesan and croutons. Serve immediately while pasta is still slightly cool.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy homemade Caesar dressing puts bottled versions to shame
- Warm sliced chicken against crisp cold lettuce creates the most satisfying temperature contrast
02 -
- Under-seasoning the chicken before cooking is the mistake that makes this salad fall flat
- Letting the pasta cool completely prevents the lettuce from wilting prematurely
03 -
- Toast extra croutons with a drizzle of olive oil and garlic powder
- Add shaved Parmesan right before serving so it stays fresh