Introduction

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, crisp romaine, and al dente pasta tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. It’s a satisfying, flavorful dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck.

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad that has three main layers: a base layer of light beige spiral pasta, mixed with bright green chopped lettuce scattered evenly, and mixed in small red cherry tomato halves. On top, there are golden-brown croutons and small pieces of grilled chicken with a light brown grilled texture. Thin white cheese shavings are sprinkled over the whole salad. Two wooden spoons rest inside the bowl, partly covered by the salad. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lb chicken breasts, boneless & skinless (thighs can also be used)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried dill
½ tsp garlic powder
6-8 oz pasta (cellentani, penne, or bowtie)
2 heads romaine lettuce, sliced (about 6-8 cups)
¼ cup parmesan cheese
⅓ cup croutons or bread crumbs
¾ cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp capers with brine
3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
½ Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2-3 Tbsp water (to thin the dressing as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically about 10-12 minutes for al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried dill, and garlic powder. For faster cooking, slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally. Heat a greased pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 3: Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers with brine, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into a small food processor. Blend until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust salt or capers as needed. If the dressing is too thin, add more mayonnaise; if too thick, thin with teaspoons of water until it spreads easily.
Step 4: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and chicken. Add about three-quarters of the dressing and toss thoroughly to combine.
Step 5: Toss in the croutons or breadcrumbs for crunch. Add remaining dressing if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness, enjoying the crisp romaine and creamy Caesar flavors.

Tips & Variations

Use grilled or rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.
Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to lighten the dressing without losing creaminess.
Try adding cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers for extra freshness.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free croutons.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Two white bowls are filled with a pasta salad featuring three main layers: the bottom layer has light green lettuce leaves, the middle layer contains creamy white rotini pasta spirals mixed throughout, and the top layer is scattered with golden brown croutons, small chunks of cooked white chicken, and thin pale yellow cheese slices. The salad is dressed with a light creamy sauce and sprinkled with black pepper. A fork with a rose gold handle rests inside one bowl, and next to the bowls sits a small beige bowl filled with extra pale yellow cheese slices, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle (bowtie), or cellentani work best to hold the dressing and blend well with the other ingredients.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken, pasta, and dressing separately and refrigerate. Combine and add lettuce and croutons just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.