Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This is the ultimate all-in-one meal! We've combined the iconic, tangy flavors of a Caesar salad with tender grilled chicken and hearty pasta. It’s perfect for a make-ahead lunch, a simple dinner, or as a standout side dish at your next gathering.

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 8 oz pasta, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

For Dressing & Seasoning:

• ½ cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (if using). Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cooled pasta, sliced chicken, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add the shaved Parmesan cheese.

4. Dress and Toss:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

5. Serve Immediately:
Divide the salad among plates or bowls. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper. For the best texture, serve right away.

Chef's Notes & Tips

• Meal Prep Master: For make-ahead lunches, store the components separately. Keep the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, and chopped lettuce/veggies in individual containers. Combine and dress just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.

• Pasta Choice: Short pasta shapes with nooks and crumbles, like rotini or penne, are excellent for holding onto the creamy dressing.

• Don't Skip the Rinse: Rinsing the pasta with cold water is crucial for a cold pasta salad. It removes excess starch and prevents the pasta from becoming gummy.

• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in a tablespoon of Caesar dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.

• Add a Crunch: Introduce some classic Caesar crunch by adding homemade or store-bought garlic croutons right before serving.