Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that’s incredibly delicious and easy to make! This refreshing dish reimagines the classic Caesar salad by incorporating tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is a versatile option that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or dressings. Enjoy this satisfying meal as a main course or a side dish, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound short pasta (penne, fusilli, or cavatappi)
- 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
- 1 to 2 large romaine hearts (chopped)
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Shaved Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot over high heat.
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir until golden brown; set aside.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cool water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and chopped romaine. Toss with Caesar dressing.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Fold in half of the garlic breadcrumbs and garnish with remaining breadcrumbs and shaved Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg