Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of Caesar dressing with the satisfying texture of pasta. The creamy homemade dressing, infused with Dijon mustard, garlic, and Parmesan, perfectly complements the crunch of Romaine and the deliciousness of rotisserie chicken. Plus, with the option to add croutons, you get a delightful crunch that enhances the texture. It’s the ideal meal to whip up in 20 minutes, and the best part? It’s customizable! You can easily switch the pasta, protein, or toppings to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

For the dressing:

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste

• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

For the pasta salad:

• 8 oz. uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne

• 2 hearts of Romaine

• Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts

• Croutons (optional)

• Parmesan cheese, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the dressing:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set the dressing aside.

2. Make the pasta salad:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, about 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.

3. Assemble the salad:
   Cut the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces. Add the Romaine and chicken to the bowl with the pasta. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Add optional toppings:
   If desired, add croutons for extra crunch. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Pasta options: Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, bowtie, or spaghetti. For a fun twist, try cheesy tortellini instead of regular pasta.

• Protein options: Swap out rotisserie chicken for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas or tofu.

• Vegetables: You can add more veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.

• Dressing modifications: Adjust the level of anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste, or try substituting Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may soften over time due to the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but if you’d like to reheat it, remove the dressing first and gently warm the pasta. Add the dressing once it’s heated, and toss in the Romaine just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought Caesar dressing instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing to save time. However, homemade dressing adds extra flavor and richness to the dish.

2. What type of pasta is best for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?

Pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli works best as their shapes hold the dressing well. However, any pasta will work, so feel free to choose your favorite.

3. Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, grilled chicken is a great alternative to rotisserie chicken and will add a smoky flavor to the salad.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas, tofu, or other plant-based proteins.

6. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad in advance, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. This will help prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added crunch and freshness.

8. How can I make the dressing healthier?

You can make the dressing lighter by swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or using a low-fat version of mayonnaise.

9. Can I freeze this pasta salad?

It is not recommended to freeze this pasta salad, as the textures of the pasta and Romaine lettuce may change after freezing and thawing.

10. Can I add bacon to this recipe?

Yes, crispy bacon would make a delicious addition to this pasta salad, adding extra flavor and crunch.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying. With its homemade dressing, tender chicken, and pasta, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a party, this salad is bound to be a hit. Easy to customize and full of flavor, it’s a recipe that you’ll find yourself returning to time and again

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