Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta

A quick, satisfying mash-up that marries the creamy tang of a classic Caesar salad with the comfort of warm pasta and juicy grilled chicken. It’s a full meal in one bowl—bright, savory, and ready in well under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two favorites in one. Combines hearty pasta with the crisp freshness of a Caesar salad.

• Balanced and filling. Lean protein, leafy greens, carbs, and healthy fats make a complete dish.

• Weeknight-friendly. Minimal prep, a single skillet for the chicken, and everything comes together fast.

• Customizable. Swap the protein, pasta shape, or dressing to fit dietary needs.

• Meal-prep hero. Tastes great chilled or reheated, so tomorrow’s lunch is sorted.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz (225 g) short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded (about 2 medium breasts)

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, washed and dried

• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

• ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if grilling or sautéing chicken)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: additional shaved Parmesan, homemade croutons, minced anchovies, or chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (check the package for timing—usually 9–11 minutes). Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and set aside.

2. Season and cook the chicken (if using raw). Pat the chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F / 74 °C. Rest 5 minutes, then slice. Skip this step if you’re using pre-cooked chicken.

3. Make the light Caesar dressing. In a small bowl whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard for extra brightness.

4. Assemble. In a large salad bowl combine the cooked pasta, romaine, tomatoes, chicken, and Parmesan. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently until everything is coated.

5. Taste and adjust. Season with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Top with more Parmesan or croutons if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

(Times assume cooked chicken is on hand. Grilling raw chicken adds about 12 minutes.)

Variations

• Protein swaps. Substitute grilled shrimp, rotisserie turkey, or crispy chickpeas for the chicken.

• Whole-grain kick. Use whole-wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.

• Greek twist. Replace Caesar dressing with tzatziki, add cucumbers, olives, and feta.

• Spicy upgrade. Stir a tablespoon of sriracha or Calabrian chili paste into the dressing.

• Gluten-free. Choose gluten-free pasta and omit croutons.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate. Store the dressed pasta salad in an airtight container up to 3 days.

• Keep greens crisp. For best texture, keep romaine separate and add just before serving.

• Reheating. Warm gently in a microwave-safe bowl for 45–60 seconds, then toss in fresh lettuce and extra dressing to refresh.

• Freezing. Not recommended; dairy-based dressing and lettuce do not freeze well.

FAQs

How far ahead can I make Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta?

You can cook the pasta and chicken up to 2 days ahead. Store components separately and toss with lettuce and dressing just before serving.

What pasta shape works best?

Short shapes that trap dressing—penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle—are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shred 2 cups of rotisserie chicken for the fastest version of this dinner.

Is there a light dressing option?

Try a yogurt-based Caesar or make your own with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, anchovy paste, garlic, and Parmesan.

How do I keep lettuce crisp after mixing?

Cool the pasta completely before combining with the romaine, and serve immediately. If making ahead, add lettuce right before eating.

What if I don’t like anchovies?

Most bottled Caesar dressings are balanced so the anchovy flavor is subtle. You can also choose anchovy-free varieties or make your own without it.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes—this recipe is delicious straight from the fridge, making it perfect for picnics and packed lunches.

How can I add extra vegetables?

Toss in roasted bell peppers, steamed broccoli florets, or shaved Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrition.

Is it safe to reheat the salad with lettuce?

Reheating will wilt the lettuce. Warm only the pasta-chicken portion, then fold in fresh lettuce afterward for the best texture.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and add white beans or grilled tofu cubes. Make sure your dressing is anchovy-free, or swap in a vegetarian Caesar alternative.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta delivers the beloved flavors of a creamy Caesar in a more substantial format. Quick, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dependable choice for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or lunch prep. Keep the key elements—savory chicken, al dente pasta, crisp greens, and zesty dressing—and customize the rest to make this dish uniquely yours.