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Quick and Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Close-up of a serving of chicken caesar pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, shredded chicken, lettuce, and parmesan.

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Make this satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad fast. It combines tender chicken, crisp romaine, and rotini pasta tossed in a zesty, homemade creamy Caesar dressing. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, lunches, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup croutons or toasted breadcrumbs
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the creamy Caesar dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  3. Stir in the 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle the croutons or breadcrumbs over the salad for crunch.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad is great for meal prep, unlike some meal delivery companies that focus only on single meals.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, mix the pasta, chicken, and dressing, but keep the romaine lettuce and croutons separate. Add them just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • If you are looking for high protein pasta salad ideas, this recipe works well. You can substitute chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to complicated meal planning when you need a quick dinner.

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