Caesar Chicken Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. Made with creamy Caesar dressing, tangy Parmesan cheese, and tender chunks of chicken, this flavorful salad is sure to please. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a flavorful side dish, this chicken Caesar pasta salad will hit the spot every time.
With its blend of creamy and tangy flavors, this chicken Caesar pasta salad is not only quick and easy to make, but also bursting with deliciousness. Let’s make it!
What ingredients do I need for this easy chicken Caesar pasta salad?
- Rotini pasta
- Cooked chicken. This is a great use for leftover chicken or one of our favorite cooking shortcuts—rotisserie chicken!
- Chopped romaine lettuce.
- Cherry tomatoes. Grape tomatoes will work as well.
- Caesar croutons
- Parmesan cheese
- Caesar salad dressing. Store-bought or homemade Caesar dressing will both work!
- Greek seasoning. This isn’t required, but it definitely takes the flavor of the salad over the top. If you don’t have Greek seasoning, you can replace this with Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
Protip: Make it gluten-free!
For a gluten-free pasta salad, use gluten-free noodles and gluten-free croutons. Make sure your Caesar dressing is also gluten-free!
How do I make chicken Caesar pasta salad?
- Prepare rotini pasta. Cook, drain, and rinse under cool water to halt the cooking. Prep and gather the remaining ingredients.
- In a large bowl, add all ingredients—minus half the dressing and half the croutons.
- Toss ingredients together and stir until well combined.
- Transfer pasta to a serving bowl. Add the remaining croutons and Caesar dressing on top—and serve!
Protip: Save some for serving!
We recommend starting with only half the croutons and half the dressing. The croutons that are mixed in will get a bit soft, so it’s good to top the salad off with some dry, crunchy croutons right before serving.
How should I cook the noodles for pasta salad?
Al dente doneness is best for pasta that’s going into a pasta salad. So how do you know when pasta is al dente?
- Follow the package instructions—Check how long to cook for al dente pasta.
- Try a bite—Pasta should be tender but still a bit firm.
- Look at the pasta—The center of the pasta will be firm and slightly more opaque than the edges.
Once the pasta is done cooking, rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further.
Can this easy chicken Caesar salad be made in advance?
Absolutely! This is a great solution for serving this salad at parties. Mix up the salad as directed, but hold off on adding any dressing until serving time to keep the salad fresh.
Protip: Shred chicken easily!
To quickly and easily shred your chicken, use two forks or a stand mixer on low speed.
Can I save time and use packaged shredded Parmesan cheese?
Yes! If it’s easier, you can go ahead and use pre-shredded cheese. Some cooks prefer to use freshly shredded cheese. It’s totally up to you.
What if I have a different type of pasta in my pantry? Can I use it?
Yep, no problem. Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand. We like rotini pasta because it holds onto the dressing and the other ingredients, but fusilli or other pasta shapes with lots of ridges or curves will work well too.
Got any ideas for variations on this pasta salad?
To bulk up this Caesar pasta salad and add even more flavor, try mixing in:
- More produce. We recommend sliced cucumbers or chopped kale.
- Different proteins. Grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or even roasted chickpeas would be awesome in this pasta dish.
- Additional toppings. Sunflower seeds, panko breadcrumbs, chopped nuts, etc.
How to store leftovers of chicken Caesar pasta salad:
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Add fresh croutons anytime you serve leftovers—they add a nice crunch!
Looking for more easy pasta salad recipes like this one?
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Everyone in the family will enjoy this flavorful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! If you like Caesar salad, then you’ll love this version with pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (cooked, drained and cooled)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups Caesar croutons, divided
- 1 cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought, divided)
- 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare rotini pasta according to the package directions for al dente doneness. (Cook, drain, and cool.)
- In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, chicken, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of the croutons, 1/4 cup dressing, and Greek seasoning. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and add the remaining croutons and Caesar salad dressing on top. Serve!
Notes
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. We like to add fresh croutons when serving for a nice crunch!
- Any pasta you have on hand will work in this, but we love rotini because the spirals hold the dressing well!
- If you don't have Greek seasoning, you can replace it with Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and gluten-free croutons, and double-check that your Caesar dressing is gluten-free.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 217Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 875mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 15g
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
