Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes everything you love about a classic Caesar and turns it into a hearty, satisfying meal. You’ve got tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp romaine, and crunchy croutons all tossed in a creamy, garlicky dressing.
It’s a great option when you want something filling but still fresh. This comes together quickly, especially if you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, and it’s perfect for lunches, potlucks, or an easy dinner that doesn’t feel heavy.
Helpful Tips
- Cool the pasta completely: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and keeps the lettuce from wilting when everything is mixed together.
- Add croutons last: Toss them in right before serving so they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
- Adjust the dressing: Add a splash of water to thin it out if needed, especially after mixing with the pasta.
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups chicken cooked, diced
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup croutons store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shaved
For the dressing:
- 2/3 cup mayo
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 small garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 1-2 chopped anchovies
- 1-2 teaspoons water if necessary to thin
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan.
- In a jar, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy and water. Shake well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.