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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cool Pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Prepare toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs by lightly toasting panko crumbs with garlic until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Make Dressing: Prepare the classic homemade Caesar dressing or use a store-bought variety as preferred.
- Chop Lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- Shred Chicken: Pull apart the rotisserie chicken breast into bite-size pieces or shred it by hand.
- 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.
- 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
