Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 2 votes

All the best Caesar salad ingredients are combined with juicy chicken, pasta, and tomatoes to make a creamy pasta salad that satisfies every craving. Make it with or without lettuce.

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Dinner, lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: bowls

Calories: 876kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

8 ounces dry rotini pasta ½ box
½ tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts *
2 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ stick
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ cup Caesar dressing
2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more, for garnish
1 cup quartered grape tomatoes

For Serving (Optional)

1 head romaine lettuce rinsed, dried, and chopped
1 cup croutons

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse, and toss in a large bowl with olive oil; set aside.
8 ounces dry rotini pasta, ½ tablespoon olive oil
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the bowl with the pasta and allow it to cool. Alternatively, you can use leftover cooked chicken here.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
In a small bowl, mix together salad dressing, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and cheese. Toss with the pasta, chicken, and tomatoes. Cover and chill at this point, if desired.
¾ cup Caesar dressing, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
If serving as a salad, divide the lettuce between 4 bowls, then top with the cooled pasta salad. Serve garnished with croutons and shaved Parmesan, if desired.
1 cup croutons, 1 head romaine lettuce

Video

Notes

*I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also swap in some pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Tips:

You can add other chopped veggies to this pasta salad, or try adding crumbled cooked bacon!
Chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.

Storage: Store chicken caesar pasta salad separately from the lettuce and croutons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving.

Nutrition