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Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Quick Weeknight Dinners

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy chicken caesar pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, grilled chicken pieces, and romaine lettuce.
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This recipe delivers a satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines tender chicken, crisp romaine, and rotini pasta coated in a creamy Caesar dressing. It is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast (grilled chicken preferred)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup croutons (for crunch)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
  • 1/4 cup water (or more, for thinning)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the creamy Caesar dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
  3. Slowly whisk in the 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches your desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce.
  5. Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Just before serving, add the croutons for the best crunch. If making ahead, keep croutons separate and add them right before serving.
  8. Serve this easy chicken caesar pasta salad immediately or chill for later meal prep.

Notes

  • For a high protein pasta salad, use extra chicken breast or add crumbled bacon for flavor.
  • If you prefer a homemade caesar dressing without raw egg yolk, substitute the yolk with 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess.
  • This salad travels well for lunches, but mix the croutons in right before you eat to keep them crunchy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/