This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and tasty meal! It combines tender chicken, pasta, crunchy romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing for an easy lunch or dinner.
You’ll love how simple it is to make! Just toss everything together, and you’ll have a delicious, filling dish in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy days, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using cavatappi or rotini because their shapes hold onto the dressing beautifully. However, any short pasta will work. You could use penne or fusilli if those are handy!
Chicken: For convenience, rotisserie chicken is an excellent option. Just shred it up and toss it in. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or grilled tofu instead for protein.
Caesar dressing: If you’re avoiding dairy, look for vegan Caesar dressings available in stores, or make your own using tahini or cashews. This can really change the flavor, so choose what you love!
Croutons: To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free croutons or skip them altogether and add some toasted nuts for crunch!
How Do I Cook Chicken Quickly and Well?
Cooking chicken breasts just right in a short time can be tricky, but here’s how you can do it:
- Start with even-sized chicken pieces. If you have thick breasts, consider butterflying them for quicker cooking.
- Heat your skillet on medium-high and make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F), or just cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
- Always let it rest for a few minutes post-cooking to retain moisture!
Easy 20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz short pasta (cavatappi or rotini)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons (garlic or herb flavored)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, and then just a few minutes tossing everything together. It’s a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your short pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set it aside while you prepare the rest!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the middle. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes or strips.
3. Mix It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, and the cooked chicken. Pour in the Caesar dressing, tossing all the ingredients gently until everything is nicely coated. This is where all the flavors start coming together!
4. Add Croutons & Cheese:
Next, sprinkle in the croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly again to combine, being careful not to crush the croutons! This will add a nice crunch to every bite.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Lastly, if you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color. Enjoy your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad right away for the best texture, or you can chill it briefly in the fridge before serving if you prefer it cold.
Enjoy a fresh, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from another meal works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and you can skip the cooking step!
What If I Don’t Have Caesar Dressing? Can I Substitute It?
Yes! If you don’t have Caesar dressing, you can use any creamy salad dressing you like, such as ranch or a creamy garlic dressing. For a homemade option, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese for a quick alternative.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply skip the chicken and add in some chickpeas or grilled vegetables for protein. Tofu is also a fantastic option; just marinate and sauté it before adding it to the salad!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days. If you have croutons added, you might want to store them separately to keep them crunchy until you’re ready to eat!
