Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A satisfying and crunchy pasta salad with chicken, romaine, and a creamy Caesar dressing, perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) Choose good quality chicken.
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta Cook until al dente.
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce Buy fresh romaine, avoid limp lettuce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plain Parmesan works well.
- ½ cup Caesar dressing Store-bought or homemade.
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes Fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
- 1 cup croutons (optional) Add for extra crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Let rest before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, and Caesar dressing. Toss well.
- Add sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Include croutons if desired.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving cold or at room temperature.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas or roasted tofu. Store leftovers for 2-3 days in the fridge, but expect the romaine to wilt.