Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Busy Weeknights

This 30-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp romaine for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Chill Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 chicken breasts Boneless, Skinless Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil works as a higher smoke point alternative.
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic lends a more robust taste.
1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted if you're low on spices.
1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika offers a deeper flavor.
to taste Black Pepper & Salt Essential seasonings that elevate the dish.

For the Salad Base

8 ounces Pasta (Rotini, Penne, or Farfalle) Whole grain or gluten-free pasta are healthy alternatives.
4 cups Romaine Lettuce Substitute spinach or kale for variety.
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Diced cucumbers can serve as a refreshing swap.
1/2 cup Red Onion Green onions provide a milder option if preferred.

For the Dressing

1/2 cup Mayonnaise Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can create a dairy-free variant.
1/4 cup Caesar Salad Dressing May opt for homemade or high-quality bottled versions.
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Lime juice works fantastically as an alternative.
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard is acceptable in a pinch.

For the Finish

1 cup Croutons Omit for a low-carb option.

Equipment

Large Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Large pot
cutting board
Knife

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Mix the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
Combine the Pasta and Dressing: Add cooled pasta to the dressing and toss gently to coat.
Add the Fresh Ingredients: Fold in diced chicken, romaine, cherry tomatoes, and red onion; toss gently.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then sprinkle croutons on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor blending.

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