Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, crisp Romaine, Parmesan, and a homemade Caesar dressing for the perfect side or meal.

this Recipe

Ever have one of those nights where you open the fridge and think, “What on earth am I gonna make with this random stuff?”

Yeah, that was me last summer. We’d just gotten back from a long weekend trip (you know, the kind where you need another vacation just to recover), and I was not in the mood for a complicated dinner. My brain was already suggesting pizza delivery, but my fridge had other plans.

There it was—half a rotisserie chicken, some Romaine lettuce on its last leg, and a box of rotini pasta I forgot I even had. I figured, why not throw it all together? So I whipped up a quick Caesar dressing (because store-bought just felt…meh that night), tossed everything in a bowl, and hoped for the best.

Spoiler: it slapped. Creamy, tangy, a little crunchy, and—best part—ready in like 20 minutes. Now it’s my go-to when I need something easy but still impressive. You know the type of meal that makes you feel like you kinda have your life together? Yeah, this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe?

This salad? It’s got everything going for it:

• Quick but Fancy: It looks like you worked hard, but it’s done in 20 minutes. Sneaky, right?
• The Perfect Combo: Creamy dressing, tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and Parmesan? Basically all the good stuff in one bowl.
• Make Ahead Magic: Honestly, it tastes even better the next day when the flavors really mingle.
• Kid-Approved: Even my picky niece who normally side-eyes salads went for seconds. True story.
• Versatile: Dinner? Check. Potluck star? Yep. Picnic-friendly? 100%.

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s what makes this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad so special—and why I wouldn’t swap certain things (unless you have to).

• Rotini or Penne Pasta: Rotini’s my fave here because those little spirals catch all the creamy dressing. Penne works too, though.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh, and just a bit sweet—plus, it holds up way better than iceberg once mixed with the dressing.
• Chicken: I usually grab a rotisserie chicken because it’s easy (and I’m not trying to be a hero on weeknights). Grilled chicken breast works great too.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, please. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt into the dressing the same way.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zip to balance the richness of the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole dish and keeps the dressing from feeling heavy.
• Anchovy Paste: I get it—anchovies freak some people out. But hear me out! It adds depth without tasting fishy. If you’re still hesitant, extra Worcestershire sauce works too.
• Croutons: Optional, but honestly, why wouldn’t you want that crunch?

How To Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?

Ready to make a bowl of pasta salad magic? Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Make the Dressing
This homemade Caesar dressing is worth it, I promise. Just grab a bowl and whisk together:

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp anchovy paste
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Give it a taste—too tangy? Add a pinch more cheese. Want more zip? Extra lemon works wonders.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil (seriously, salt it like the ocean). Cook 8 ounces of rotini or penne until just al dente. Drain it and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Prep the Lettuce and Chicken
While the pasta cools, chop your Romaine into bite-sized pieces and shred your rotisserie chicken. If you’re using grilled chicken, just slice it thinly.

Step 4: Toss It All Together
Grab your biggest salad bowl and combine the cooled pasta, chopped Romaine, and chicken. Drizzle that dreamy Caesar dressing over the top and toss until everything’s coated.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and—if you’re feeling fancy—toss in some croutons for extra crunch. I also like to throw in some halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.

Step 6: Serve or Chill
You can dig in right away (and I wouldn’t blame you), but if you let it chill for 20-30 minutes in the fridge? Next level.

Storage Options:

Honestly, this pasta salad disappears fast. But if you do end up with leftovers:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Pro Tip: If making ahead, keep the Romaine and croutons separate so they stay crisp.
• Freezer: Hard pass—pasta salads with lettuce don’t freeze well.

Variations and Substitutions:

Wanna mix things up? Here are some fun twists to try:

• Switch the Protein: Try grilled shrimp, crispy bacon, or even hard-boiled eggs.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and croutons—or just skip the croutons altogether.
• Dairy-Free: Sub in vegan mayo and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Extra Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even roasted red peppers.
• Cheese Swap: Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino or Asiago for a sharper bite.

What to Serve with Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?

Honestly, it’s a meal on its own. But if you’re making a full spread, here’s what pairs perfectly:

• Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs? Always a win.
• Grilled Veggies: Think asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms for balance.
• Soup: A cozy bowl of tomato soup or even a light broth-based soup.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks that match the salad’s brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I Make This Ahead?

Totally! Just keep the lettuce and croutons separate so they stay crisp.

How Do I Prevent Soggy Pasta?

Rinse the pasta with cool water after cooking and avoid overcooking it. Al dente is key!

Can I Use Bottled Caesar Dressing?

Sure! But homemade really is worth it—trust me on this one.

And there you have it! Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that’s creamy, tangy, comforting, and crazy easy to throw together. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or just need a no-fuss dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

So what do you think—croutons or no croutons? I’d love to hear how yours turns out!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

In our Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, a delicious combination unfolds. Our creamy Caesar dressing, with a kick of Dijon mustard the freshness of lemon and the richness of Parmesan cheese, embraces cooked pasta, crisp Romaine lettuce and your choice of juicy chicken. This dish represents a fusion of the Caesar salad and comforting pasta bringing together a delightful mix of textures and flavors in perfect harmony. The dressing, with its savory and creamy notes, coats each ingredient beautifully to create a symphony of sensations in every mouthful. You can also add croutons for a satisfying crunch. Whether you enjoy it immediately or chill it for indulgence this recipe guarantees an explosion of flavors that will undoubtedly become one of your culinary creations.

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10 Servings

Ingredients

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FOR THE DRESSING:

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp anchovy paste
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

FOR THE PASTA SALAD:

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta such as rotini or penne
• 2 hearts of Romaine
• Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
• Croutons optional
• cerise tomato optional
• Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

 

1. To make the dressing start by whisking 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste and 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Set the dressing aside.
2. Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of pasta (rotini or penne) until it is al dente—around 10 minutes. Drain the pasta. Transfer it to a large bowl.
3. Now it's time to assemble the salad. Cut two hearts of Romaine lettuce into pieces about an inch in size. Add them to the bowl with the pasta. For some added protein consider including shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and salad ingredients. Make sure everything is well coated by tossing it all together.
5. If you're looking for some texture and flavor feel free to add croutons as a crunch.
6. To serve your creation garnish with Parmesan cheese and enjoy right away! If you prefer a chilled salad experience refrigerate it covered until you're ready to indulge.

Notes

To create a gluten-free version of this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad you can easily replace the regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta option. Just make sure that both the Worcestershire sauce and croutons if included are certified gluten-free well. This simple modification lets you enjoy all the flavors and textures while catering to a gluten-free diet.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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