Main Dishes

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

ByAmy Serrano December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

Introduction

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining tender chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing with hearty pasta makes it a delicious twist on a classic Caesar salad.

The dish is a white bowl filled with a mix of penne pasta, chopped grilled chicken pieces, bright green chopped lettuce, and golden-brown croutons. There are thin shavings of pale yellow cheese sprinkled evenly over the top. The pasta is creamy light yellow, while the chicken has a lightly browned, slightly crispy outside. The croutons are crunchy and small cubes, scattered throughout. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a gold fork and some parsley leaves nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 whole chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
¾ tsp salt
¾ tsp ground pepper
¾ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz. dry penne pasta
1½ cup croutons
3 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
¾ cup Caesar dressing
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Once the chicken has cooled, cut it into cubes and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, cooked pasta, croutons, chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Step 6: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and garlic before cooking.
Add cherry tomatoes or avocado for a fresh twist.
Use grilled chicken for a smoky taste instead of pan-seared.
Swap penne for rotini or farfalle pasta to change up the texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, store croutons separately and add just before serving. Reheat the chicken cubes gently if desired, but the salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy pasta salad in a white bowl on a white marbled surface, showing thick pieces of grilled chicken with a golden brown crust mixed with pale yellow penne pasta. Bright green leafy lettuce pieces are spread throughout the bowl, along with golden brown croutons. Thin, light shavings of cheese are sprinkled on top, adding a fine texture layer. The mix looks fresh and creamy with the pasta and chicken coated in a light sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut. Just shred or cube the meat and add it directly to the salad.

Is it okay to prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare most of the salad ahead, but it’s best to mix the croutons in just before serving to keep them crunchy. Dress the salad shortly before serving to prevent sogginess.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 558 reviews

A refreshing and hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad featuring tender seasoned chicken breast, perfectly cooked penne pasta, crunchy croutons, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing, all tossed together with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 whole chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
¾ tsp salt
¾ tsp ground pepper
¾ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta Salad

8 oz. dry penne pasta
1½ cup croutons
3 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
¾ cup Caesar dressing
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, garlic powder, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool.
Cube the Chicken: After the chicken has cooled, cut it into bite-sized cubes and set aside for mixing.
Prepare the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, typically boiling until al dente. Drain and allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cooked penne pasta, croutons, chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until well mixed.
Serve: Transfer the chicken Caesar pasta salad to a serving bowl and serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.

Notes

Ensure the pasta is cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent wilting the lettuce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
Feel free to add freshly ground black pepper or lemon zest for an extra zing.
This salad can be refrigerated for up to 1 day, but croutons should be added just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, chicken pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, Caesar salad with chicken, quick lunch salad

Amy Serrano

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