Print

Quick & Creamy 30-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A close-up, bright photo of a bowl filled with creamy chicken caesar pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, grilled chicken pieces, and romaine lettuce.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this satisfying chicken caesar pasta salad quickly. It combines tender chicken, pasta, crisp romaine, and a creamy Caesar dressing for an easy weeknight dinner or high protein lunch idea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (grilled chicken preferred)
  • 5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup croutons (for crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if cooking chicken fresh)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
  2. If using raw chicken, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Dice the chicken once cooled slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce.
  4. Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Add the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Toss all ingredients gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Stir in the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
  8. Serve immediately, or chill for make ahead lunches. Top individual servings with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For the best texture, do not add the croutons until right before you serve the salad.
  • This salad holds up well for meal prep lunches for up to three days if you store the croutons separately.
  • To make the dressing extra creamy, whisk in one extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into your Caesar dressing base.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/