Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Introduction

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes the classic flavors you love and transforms them into a hearty, meal-prep friendly dish. It’s the perfect balance of zesty, creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crisp greens, all tossed with satisfying pasta. You get a complete, crowd-pleasing meal in one bowl.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 pound sprial pasta (like fusilli or rotini pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
¾ pound boneless, skinless thin-sliced chicken breast
2 teaspoons garlic pepper
1 lemon (halved)
2 cups romaine lettuce (well chopped)
1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved )
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for garnish (grated or shaved))
⅓ cup Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
1½ cups croutons (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breast dry and season both sides with the garlic pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Squeeze the juice from half the lemon over the sliced chicken.
In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped basil, and finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the sliced chicken and the Caesar salad dressing to the bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with the freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Just before serving, add the croutons and toss gently to combine. Divide among plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a wedge from the remaining lemon half.

Variations

Grill Instead of Sauté: Cook the chicken breast on an outdoor grill or grill pan for added smoky flavor.
Make it a Wrap: Spoon the finished salad into large tortillas or lettuce wraps for a portable lunch.
Pasta Swap: Use a different short pasta shape like farfalle (bow-tie) or penne.
Deconstructed Serving: Layer the components separately in a large serving bowl or platter for a buffet-style presentation, allowing guests to assemble their own portions.

Tips for Success

Ensure the pasta is rinsed well and completely cooled before mixing to prevent wilting the lettuce.
Thin-sliced chicken breasts cook very quickly; avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
Toss in the croutons at the last minute to maintain their crunch. If meal prepping, pack them separately.
Taste before adding extra salt, as the dressing, Parmesan, and garlic pepper all contain sodium.

Storage & Reheating

Store the salad (without croutons) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce will soften over time. It’s best served cold, so reheating is not recommended. For the best texture, store croutons separately and add just before serving.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta that holds dressing well will work, such as penne or farfalle.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken up to a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Combine all ingredients (except croutons) up to 2 hours before serving for the freshest texture.

What can I use instead of garlic pepper?

If you don’t have garlic pepper, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder mixed with 1 teaspoon black pepper.

My chicken breast isn’t thin-sliced. How do I adjust cooking?

Pound a standard chicken breast to an even ½-inch thickness before seasoning, and increase cooking time to 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use a different dressing?

While Caesar dressing is classic, a creamy Parmesan or even a simple lemon-garlic vinaigrette can work well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

No, due to the regular pasta and most store-bought croutons. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and croutons.