Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining tender rotisserie chicken, crisp romaine, and al dente pasta. Tossed with creamy homemade Caesar dressing and topped with toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs and parmesan, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups bowtie pasta (or your favorite type of pasta, cooked)
• 2 heads romaine lettuce (chopped)
• 2 ½ cups rotisserie chicken (torn)
• ⅓ cup Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing (or more to taste)
• 1 cup toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 11-12 minutes.
2. Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: Prepare the toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs and allow them to cool completely.
4. Step 4: Make your Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing.
5. Step 5: Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
6. Step 6: Tear or cut the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the lettuce.
7. Step 7: Add the cooled pasta, toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs, and freshly grated parmesan cheese to the bowl.
8. Step 8: Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients.
9. Step 9: Toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine all flavors, then serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use freshly toasted breadcrumbs just before serving.
• Add cherry tomatoes or crispy bacon bits for more flavor and texture.
• Use leftover grilled chicken if rotisserie is not available.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the breadcrumbs crunchy, store them separately and add just before serving. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a bit more dressing and toss before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to cook it al dente and rinse under cold water to cool.

Is it okay to use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. While homemade dressing adds a fresh touch, a good-quality store-bought Caesar dressing works well if you’re short on time.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 115 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender rotisserie chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a zesty classic Caesar dressing. Toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings a rich, savory finish. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, this salad is easy to prepare and full of satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Salad

• 2 ½ cups bowtie pasta (or your favorite type of pasta, cooked)
• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 ½ cups rotisserie chicken, torn or cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Dressing

• ⅓ cup Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing (or more to taste)

Breadcrumbs

• 1 cup toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, approximately 11-12 minutes, until al dente.
2. Cool Pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
3. Toast Breadcrumbs: Prepare toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs by lightly toasting panko crumbs with garlic until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
4. Make Dressing: Prepare the classic homemade Caesar dressing or use a store-bought variety as preferred.
5. Chop Lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces and place it in a large bowl.
6. Shred Chicken: Pull apart the rotisserie chicken breast into bite-size pieces or shred it by hand.
7. Assemble: Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the chopped lettuce. Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad.
8. Toss and Serve: Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately, or refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Notes

• You can substitute any pasta shape you prefer.
• Adjust the amount of Caesar dressing to taste for creaminess.
• To make the toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs, sauté panko breadcrumbs with minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until golden brown.
• Use rotisserie chicken breast for the best texture, but dark meat works well too.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within three days for freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, rotisserie chicken salad, pasta salad, Caesar dressing salad, garlic panko breadcrumbs, easy pasta salad