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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

creamy chicken caesar pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and flavorful pasta salad combining classic Caesar flavors with tender chicken, crisp Romaine, and a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for busy days, picnics, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
  • 3 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup croutons
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or finely minced anchovies (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. If cooking fresh chicken, season 2 cups of chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred or cube. If using pre-cooked chicken, chop it up.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and anchovy paste if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked chicken, chopped Romaine, and cherry tomatoes if using. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Sprinkle salad with ½ cup grated Parmesan and ¼ cup croutons just before serving. Toss lightly one last time.

Notes

For best texture, use firm Romaine and freshly grated Parmesan. To lighten dressing, swap half the mayo for extra Greek yogurt. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and croutons or omit croutons. Add croutons just before serving for crunch or earlier for softness. Leftovers taste better after resting overnight. Reheat chicken separately to avoid soggy pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, creamy Caesar salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, quick lunch, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-flavorful-pasta-bowl/