Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Close up off the top of the bowl of pasta salad with lettuce, chicken, and caesar dressing.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is loaded with crisp lettuce, tender pasta, salty parmesan, crunchy croutons, and perfectly seasoned juicy chicken; all smothered in a creamy Caesar dressing. Serve this cold pasta salad as a side dish for any potluck, BBQ, or gathering. It also makes for the perfect weeknight dinner - especially during the summertime using the grill.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken caesar pasta salad

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Chill Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Calories 356kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta OR rotini pasta (about 2 cups dry pasta)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (I use extra-virgin olive oil)
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing (or more to taste)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Boil Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Cook to al dente or softer depending on preference. When done cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
8 ounces penne pasta OR rotini pasta
Cook Chicken : In a small bowl mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides of the chicken breast pieces and pat/press the seasoning into the chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
In a skillet pan, over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minuter per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken is at 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken from the skillet pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or chopping it into chunks.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Assemble The Pasta Salad : In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked pasta, cooked chicken breast, and chopped romaine lettuce. Pour the Caesar salad dressing over everything and toss until everything is evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed. Stir in the parmesan cheese and toss again to combine.
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Chill : Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the for the salad to chill before serving.
^{* Mix in more Caesar salad dressing if needed after refrigerating.}

Notes

Can I Use Grilled Chicken Instead?

Yes! I actually loving throwing the seasoned chicken breast onto the grill when I make this recipe during the summer. The grill adds some nice char marks and everything always taste better on the grill. You could also use a grill pan instead of a skillet pan to cook the chicken as well.

Can I Use A Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes you can. To cut down on prep time purchase a seasoned rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. You will need about 2-3 cups of shredded or chopped chicken for this recipe.

Nutrition