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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and sturdy pasta all coated in a rich, garlicky Caesar dressing. This quick and easy salad offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures, ideal for lunches, dinners, or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

Dressing and Flavorings

  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)

Cheese and Crunch

  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup crunchy croutons

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them on a grill or skillet until golden and fully cooked. Let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Romaine: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
  4. Mix the Dressing: If using store-bought Caesar dressing, enhance it by stirring in fresh lemon juice and optional anchovy paste for an authentic flavor.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, chopped romaine, and grated Parmesan. Pour dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Add Croutons and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle crunchy croutons on top to maintain their texture and add a satisfying crunch.

Notes

  • Prep chicken and pasta a day ahead for faster assembly.
  • Add croutons only right before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Chill salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
  • For a lighter dressing, mix Caesar dressing with Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, creamy Caesar pasta, chicken Caesar salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/creamy-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/