Description
This chicken Caesar pasta salad is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Made with juicy chicken, pasta, and a rich Caesar dressing, ready in 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup croutons
Instructions
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Remove chicken from heat, rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite sized pieces.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then allow to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add milk gradually until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Add cooled pasta to the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
- Add diced chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Just before serving, add croutons and toss lightly.
Notes
- Add extra Parmesan on top just before serving for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American