Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing, hearty twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring tender pasta and juicy seasoned chicken. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying meal on its own. With crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this salad is packed with flavor and textures that everyone will love. The best part? It can be made ahead of time and chilled for the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (about 2 cups dry)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• ½ cup Caesar salad dressing (or more to taste)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente or to your preferred texture. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts by patting the seasoning into the meat.
   Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips or chunks.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced or chopped chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce. Pour the Caesar salad dressing over everything and toss until evenly coated. Add more dressing if desired, depending on your taste. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and toss again.
4. Chill & Serve:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the salad to chill and the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!

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Tips:

• Customize Your Salad: Add toppings like croutons for extra crunch, or toss in some cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added freshness.
• Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-frying. Brush with olive oil and season the same way before grilling.
• Make It Creamier: If you love creaminess in your salad, try adding a dollop of sour cream or mayonnaise to the Caesar dressing for an extra-rich texture.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
• Serve it Warm or Cold: Although this recipe is designed to be served chilled, it’s equally delicious served warm. Just toss the pasta and chicken while they’re still warm for a different but satisfying take.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion!