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The Ultimate 25-Minute Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Perfect for Meal Prep)

Close-up of a creamy chicken caesar pasta salad featuring fusilli pasta, diced chicken, and crisp romaine lettuce.
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Make this creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a high-protein lunch. This easy pasta salad recipe combines tender chicken, crisp romaine, and rich Caesar dressing, making it a perfect make-ahead salad for busy schedules.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup croutons (add just before serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the creamy Caesar dressing base if making from scratch, or combine your store-bought dressing with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Pour the Caesar dressing mixture over the pasta and chicken. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. This step is key for a great make ahead salad.
  6. Before serving, toss the salad again. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and croutons. Do not add croutons until serving time to keep them crisp.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the dressing separate from the lettuce and croutons. Combine everything except the croutons the night before you plan to eat it.
  • You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time, making this a true 20-minute dinner idea.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the dressing mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/