Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad recipe is inspired by a classic: Chicken Caesar Salad! Pick your favorite pasta and enjoy the easy homemade dressing packed with flavor.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword Caesar Pasta Salad, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 606kcal

Author Cara Harbstreet

Ingredients

For the Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

1 cup kewpie mayo or full fat, regular mayo
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or the juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp anchovy paste or 2-3 anchovy fillets, mashed
2-3 cloves garlic finely minced
1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

For the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

1 lb pasta such as rotini, penne, farfalle, cellentani or similar
1 heart of romaine roughly chopped
1 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
1 cup shaved parmesan cheese
1/2 medium red onion sliced thin
large pot of salted water for boiling pasta

Instructions

For the Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

Combine all ingredients for the Caesar dressing in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until creamy and thick, then cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to mix the pasta salad.
For more detailed instructions, refer to the post for Easy Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing.

For Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings. Sear on the grill or griddle, or on the stovetop, for 4-6 minutes on each side. If using a meat thermometer, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to package directions for al dente pasta. Once cooked, drain and rinse until cold water to disperse the residual heat.
Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Chop or slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl. Add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced red onion, and shaved parmesan cheese, along with the prepared dressing.
Toss the pasta gently until all ingredients are well-mixed and coated in the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

If using precooked or rotisserie chicken, prepare approximately 4 cups of cubed, shredded, or sliced chicken (estimating 4 oz. per serving).

If using store-bought Caesar dressing, start with approximately 3/4 to 1 cup. Mix, then adjust according to your taste preferences.

As written, the Caesar Salad Dressing will yield approximately 1 1/4 cups. You may or may not use it all depending on how heavily dressed you prefer your pasta salad. Store any remaining dressing in the refrigerator to refresh leftovers or serve with other salads.

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