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Simple Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

This Simple Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and crisp romaine lettuce all tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. Enhanced with fresh garlic, anchovy paste for depth, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Optional croutons add a delightful crunch, while extra Parmesan on top provides that classic Caesar flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dressing:

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste
  • 2 tsp minced garlic (freshly minced)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • Black pepper to taste

For the Salad:

  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 romaine hearts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced into 1-inch chunks

For Serving:

  • Croutons (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and minced garlic until well combined. Stir in mayonnaise until smooth and creamy, then fold in finely grated Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper to taste. Making the dressing first allows the flavors to meld.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add rotini or penne pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking and remove starch. Spread the pasta on a plate or sheet pan to cool.
  3. Prepare the Chicken and Romaine: While pasta cools, shred or dice rotisserie chicken, removing skin if desired. Chop romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces, discarding outer tough leaves and rinsing if necessary.
  4. Assemble and Dress the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped romaine, shredded chicken, and cooled pasta. Pour the Caesar dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated, scraping the bottom of the bowl to incorporate all dressing.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving bowl or plates. Top with croutons if desired and sprinkle generously with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice in the dressing.
  • The anchovy paste is key to achieving the authentic Caesar taste but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Chilling the cooked pasta before assembling prevents wilting the romaine lettuce.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with cooked, shredded chicken breast if preferred.
  • Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar pasta salad, Easy chicken salad, Rotisserie chicken salad, Creamy Caesar dressing, Pasta salad recipe

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/simple-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/