Looking for a fresh, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp Romaine, and a zesty homemade Caesar dressing for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal. This zesty Caesar pasta is ideal for busy weeknights, summer picnics, or meal prep, offering a balance of comfort and freshness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Bold Flavors: Creamy, tangy dressing with savory chicken and crunchy greens.
- Versatile: Serve warm or cold, as a main or side.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with veggies or proteins.
- Meal-Prep Star: Perfect for lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Here’s what you need for this zesty Caesar pasta (serves 4–6):
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 2 tsp (10g) Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp (10ml) Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup (180g) mayonnaise
- 2 tsp (6g) minced garlic
- 1 tsp (5g) anchovy paste
- ⅓ cup (30g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp (1g) ground black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz (225g) rotini or penne pasta
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce, chopped (about 4 cups/200g)
- 2 cups (300g) shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup (50g) croutons (optional, for crunch)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or large spoon
Ingredient Tips
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing.
- Anchovy paste adds umami depth; don’t skip it!
- Rotisserie chicken saves time; grilled chicken adds smoky flavor.
- Romaine provides crisp texture; rinse and dry well.
- Homemade croutons elevate crunch.
Directions for Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Let’s make this zesty Caesar pasta—fresh, creamy, and delicious!
Make Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp anchovy paste until smooth. I stir in ⅓ cup Parmesan and ¼ tsp black pepper, then set aside.
Cook Pasta
I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, per package instructions. I drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
Prep Lettuce and Chicken
I wash and dry 2 Romaine hearts, chopping them into 1-inch pieces. I shred 2 cups rotisserie chicken or chop cooked chicken breast.
Assemble Salad
In a large bowl, I combine cooled pasta, chopped Romaine, and chicken. I pour the dressing over and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated. I top with 1 cup croutons (if using) and extra Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving (1/6 dish)
- Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 20g protein, 25g fat, 2g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on this recipe:
- Pasta Swap: Use farfalle or orzo, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne.
- Greens Twist: Mix in baby kale or arugula.
- Protein Swap: Try grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie Add-In: Add cherry tomatoes or avocado.
- Bacon Boost: Sprinkle in cooked bacon bits.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh side.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for a refreshing drink.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for dessert.
Storage
I store undressed components (pasta, lettuce, chicken) separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. Dressed salad lasts 2 days refrigerated but may wilt. I avoid freezing due to the lettuce and mayonnaise. To serve, I toss components with dressing just before eating.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl with extra Parmesan.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cracked pepper.
- Pairing: Try with LaylaCooks’ Pickle Juice Ranch Cucumber Salad or garlic bread.
- Portion Size: 1–1.5 cups per person.
- Occasions: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, store components separately and toss before serving.
Is it good for meal prep?
Absolutely, keep ingredients separate for grab-and-go lunches.
Can I skip anchovy paste?
Yes, but try soy sauce or capers for umami flavor.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and skip or use gluten-free croutons.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce garlic and omit anchovy paste if needed.
More Side Dish Recipes
- Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
- Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
- Broccoli Risotto Recipe
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and perfect for any occasion. This zesty Caesar pasta combines creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crisp greens for a satisfying meal. Try this versatile recipe and enjoy a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 2 tsp 10g Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp 30ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp 10ml Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup 180g mayonnaise
- 2 tsp 6g minced garlic
- 1 tsp 5g anchovy paste
- ⅓ cup 30g finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp 1g ground black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz 225g rotini or penne pasta
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce chopped (about 4 cups/200g)
- 2 cups 300g shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup 50g croutons (optional, for crunch)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Make Dressing
- In a small bowl, I whisk 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp anchovy paste until smooth. I stir in ⅓ cup Parmesan and ¼ tsp black pepper, then set aside.
Cook Pasta
- I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, per package instructions. I drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
Prep Lettuce and Chicken
- I wash and dry 2 Romaine hearts, chopping them into 1-inch pieces. I shred 2 cups rotisserie chicken or chop cooked chicken breast.
Assemble Salad
- In a large bowl, I combine cooled pasta, chopped Romaine, and chicken. I pour the dressing over and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated. I top with 1 cup croutons (if using) and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Make the dressing ahead for deeper flavor—store in fridge up to 2 days.
- Swap in spinach or arugula for a twist on greens.
- Use grilled shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas as alternative proteins.
- Leave out anchovy paste for a milder dressing (or sub with capers or soy sauce).
- Store components separately if prepping ahead for best texture.
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