Name: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne); 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped; 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup croutons; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: lemon wedges for serving

A creamy, hearty twist on the classic Caesar salad, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something quick, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. I love how it combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp romaine, and a tangy Caesar dressing all in one bowl—it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this dish because it delivers all the comfort of a pasta meal with the freshness of a salad. It’s easy to make, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is ideal for everything from meal prep to summer gatherings. The Caesar dressing adds a rich and savory depth, while the croutons give that satisfying crunch I always crave in a good salad. Plus, it’s totally customizable—perfect for clearing out the fridge.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup croutons

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Then I drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked pasta with the chopped chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

I drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until well coated.

Next I top it off with crunchy croutons and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper.

I serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes if I want it colder. I always wait to add the croutons until just before serving so they stay nice and crisp.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: Around 420 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

To lighten it up, I go with a yogurt-based Caesar dressing.

For a bolder flavor, I add chopped anchovies or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the dressing.

I’ve also tried mixing in cooked bacon bits or red onion slices for extra savory depth.

Using whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta makes it more diet-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I like storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always keep the croutons separate to maintain their crunch. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—I don’t recommend reheating it since the lettuce can wilt and the dressing texture might change.

Related Recipes:

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the pasta, chicken, and dressing in advance and assemble everything just before serving. I store the components separately if I’m making it more than a day ahead.

What kind of chicken works best?

I usually go with grilled or rotisserie chicken breast for ease, but any cooked and chopped chicken works well, including leftovers.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. I like using rotini or penne because they hold the dressing well, but bow tie or fusilli work great too.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

I keep the croutons and dressing separate until right before serving. That way, everything stays crisp and fresh.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes! I make it on Sundays and enjoy it for a couple of lunches. I just pack the dressing and croutons separately to mix in later.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—quick, hearty, fresh, and crowd-pleasing. Whether I’m packing it for lunch, bringing it to a picnic, or serving it for a casual dinner, it always hits the spot. It’s easy to personalize and even easier to love.

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