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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Quick Dinners

Close-up of a creamy chicken caesar pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and green lettuce.

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Make this easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad quickly. It combines tender chicken, crisp romaine, rotini pasta, and a zesty homemade Caesar dressing for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup croutons (optional)
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl.
  2. Prepare the creamy Caesar dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  3. Stir in the 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the cooked chicken and chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl with the pasta.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta, chicken, and lettuce mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the croutons, if using.
  7. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For faster preparation, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken component.
  • This salad holds up well for meal prep; store the croutons separately and add them just before serving to keep them crunchy.
  • If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a few drops of anchovy paste or a teaspoon of capers during the dressing preparation.

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