Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty meal perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to family BBQs. This chilled dish features tender, seasoned chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing that brings together classic flavors in a delightful way. The pasta adds a satisfying heartiness, making it an excellent choice for a main course or side dish. Quick to prepare in under an hour, this versatile recipe can be made ahead of time and customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6–8 oz cellentani, penne, or bowtie pasta
- 2 heads romaine lettuce (6–8 cups)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- Croutons or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dill, and garlic powder; slice in half for quicker cooking.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until fully cooked (165ºF internal temperature). Let rest before cubing.
- In a food processor, blend mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and water until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced romaine lettuce, cubed chicken, parmesan cheese, and most of the dressing; toss well.
- Top with croutons and serve with additional dressing if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg