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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Ready in 30 Minutes

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick, easy, and nostalgic dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Can use pre-cooked chicken for quicker prep.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For cooking chicken and adds moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances savory depth and aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Contributes color and subtle heat.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Pasta (Rotini, Penne, or Farfalle) Can substitute with gluten-free pasta.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Acts as a creamy base for the dressing.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds richness; can substitute with nutritional yeast.
  • 1/2 cup Caesar Salad Dressing Opt for homemade or quality store-bought.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Brightens flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Adds a tangy depth.
  • 1 clove Minced Garlic Enhances the aroma.
For the Freshness
  • 4 cups Romaine Lettuce Provides crunch.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Adds sweetness; can substitute with diced cucumbers.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Gives a sharp bite.
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Croutons Keep separate until serving.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • cutting board
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for rapid cooking. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Then, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until smooth. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
  5. In a mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the dressing until evenly coated. Fold in chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Just before serving, toss in croutons and serve in bowls garnished with extra Parmesan and pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and separate croutons until serving.

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