Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect twist on a traditional Caesar salad, featuring the addition of tender pasta and juicy chicken. This quick and easy dish is great for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. It’s made with crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with bowtie pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal. The dressing is perfectly balanced with a hint of balsamic vinegar to give it an extra zing!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1.75 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

  • 1 pound bowtie pasta (or substitute with any small pasta)

  • 1 (10-ounce) bag Romaine lettuce, or as desired

  • ⅔ cup diced tomatoes (Roma or other varieties)

  • ¾ cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (red wine vinegar may be substituted)

  • ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or to taste)

Directions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally.

  2. Cook the Pasta:
    While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add it to a large bowl.

  3. Assemble the Salad:
    Add the cooked chicken, Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, Caesar dressing, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese to the pasta bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

  4. Taste and Adjust:
    Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, dressing, or Parmesan cheese as needed.

  5. Serve:
    Serve immediately at room temperature or chill the salad for a few hours before serving. It’s best in the first 12-24 hours after making it, but it will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

  • Calories: 466

  • Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Protein: 38g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g

  • Cholesterol: 100mg

  • Sodium: 783mg

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 2g

Why Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Works So Well

The appeal of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad lies in its versatility and balance of textures. The crispy Romaine lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while the bowtie pasta adds heartiness to the dish, making it more filling and substantial. Juicy, seasoned chicken adds protein and richness, making it the perfect addition to this flavorful salad. The creamy Caesar dressing, complemented by the slight tang of balsamic vinegar, ties everything together, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami kick. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that works well as a standalone meal or as a side to your favorite grilled dishes. Additionally, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Salad Special

  • Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are diced into bite-sized pieces and sautéed to perfection. The chicken adds protein and flavor, keeping the salad filling and balanced.

  • Bowtie Pasta: The pasta brings a comforting texture to the salad and makes it more substantial. Bowtie pasta is a fun, visually appealing choice, but you can substitute it with any small pasta, such as rotini or farfalle.

  • Romaine Lettuce: Romaine lettuce offers a crisp, fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing and pasta. It’s the perfect base for a Caesar-style salad.

  • Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a pop of color, juiciness, and freshness, balancing out the richness of the dressing and Parmesan cheese.

  • Caesar Dressing: The creamy Caesar dressing is the heart of this salad. It brings all the flavors together with its tangy, savory taste. You can adjust the amount of dressing depending on how creamy you want the salad to be.

  • Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dressing and adds a bit of brightness to the overall flavor profile. You can substitute it with red wine vinegar if preferred.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that enhances the salad. It’s also a key element of Caesar salads, giving the dish its signature taste.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t take long at all. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to a large bowl. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooked chicken, Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, Caesar dressing, balsamic vinegar, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, dressing, or Parmesan cheese to suit your preferences.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the salad immediately at room temperature or chill it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. It’s best enjoyed in the first 12-24 hours, but it can last in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a filling and satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

  • Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to complement the creamy, tangy flavors of the salad.

  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would pair perfectly with the salad, adding a healthy and colorful element to the meal.

  • Grilled Chicken or Steak: If you want to add more protein, serve the salad alongside grilled chicken or a steak for a more substantial meal.

  • Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would offer a contrasting texture and flavor to the richness of the pasta salad.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of juicy chicken, creamy dressing, tangy balsamic vinegar, and hearty pasta, this salad is a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. It’s versatile, customizable, and ideal for meal prepping, making it a great choice for busy days when you want something quick yet flavorful. Whether you serve it on its own or pair it with additional sides, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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