Name: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): For protein and flavor, grilled or baked to perfection.; 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta shape): The pasta soaks up all that delicious Caesar dressing and gives the salad a satisfying texture.; 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce: For the crisp, fresh crunch we all love in a Caesar salad.; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that complements the creaminess of the dressing.; 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons: For the perfect crunchy topping that brings it all together.; 1/2 cup Caesar dressing: Use a store-bought version, or make your own if you prefer (recipe below).; 2 tbsp olive oil: For grilling or searing the chicken.; 1 tsp garlic powder: To enhance the flavors of the chicken and the dressing.; Salt and pepper: For seasoning, to taste.; 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The base of a creamy Caesar dressing.; 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For extra cheesy goodness.; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tangy kick.; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: For depth of flavor.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that garlicky Caesar taste.; 1/2 tsp lemon juice: To brighten up the flavors.; Salt and pepper: To taste.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): For protein and flavor, grilled or baked to perfection.
8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta shape): The pasta soaks up all that delicious Caesar dressing and gives the salad a satisfying texture.
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce: For the crisp, fresh crunch we all love in a Caesar salad.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that complements the creaminess of the dressing.
1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons: For the perfect crunchy topping that brings it all together.
1/2 cup Caesar dressing: Use a store-bought version, or make your own if you prefer (recipe below).
2 tbsp olive oil: For grilling or searing the chicken.
1 tsp garlic powder: To enhance the flavors of the chicken and the dressing.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning, to taste.

For the optional homemade Caesar dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise: The base of a creamy Caesar dressing.
1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For extra cheesy goodness.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tangy kick.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: For depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For that garlicky Caesar taste.
1/2 tsp lemon juice: To brighten up the flavors.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

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Instructions

Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
Cook the chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken in and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice it into thin strips or cubes, depending on your preference.
Prepare the dressing (if making homemade):
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Set aside.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the chopped romaine lettuce. Add in the sliced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently to mix. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad, starting with about half of it and adding more to taste. Toss again until everything is evenly coated.
Top with croutons:
Just before serving, sprinkle the croutons on top to keep them crispy. If you add them too early, they may get soggy!
Serve and enjoy:
Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate for later. This salad can be made ahead and chilled in the fridge, but I recommend adding the croutons just before serving so they stay crispy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 500
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g