Description

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining creamy homemade dressing, tender pasta, crisp romaine, and savory chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers a satisfying mix of textures. The anchovy paste and Parmesan cheese bring authentic Caesar flavors, while rotisserie chicken adds convenience and depth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Pasta Salad:

8 oz. uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
2 hearts of Romaine lettuce, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup croutons (optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Let minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for 1-2 minutes before mixing.
Finish the Dressing: Add mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain thoroughly but do not rinse.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, romaine, and shredded chicken. Layer ingredients for even distribution.
Dress and Serve: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add croutons, if using, and finish with extra Parmesan cheese. Garnish with reserved Parmesan and whole romaine leaves before serving.

Notes

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:

Don’t Rinse the Pasta: The starchy exterior helps the dressing cling better.
Use Anchovy Paste: It adds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better when mixed with dressing.
Layer Ingredients: Adding ingredients in layers ensures even mixing and visual appeal.
Make Ahead: Toss hot pasta with olive oil if preparing in advance to prevent sticking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: No-Cook (except pasta)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4th of recipe)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: chicken caesar pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, caesar dressing, easy dinner