Print

Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

creamy chicken caesar pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy chicken Caesar pasta salad with fresh crunch, perfect for a light lunch or casual meal. Ready in about 5 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 8 ounces cooked and cooled pasta (rotini or penne preferred)
  • 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook and cool the pasta: Boil 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Use 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the romaine: Wash and dry 3 cups of romaine lettuce, then chop into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  4. Make the creamy dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Caesar dressing with 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice if using, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, and romaine. Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.
  6. Add cheese and crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan and 1 cup croutons on top. Toss gently or leave croutons on top for extra crunch.
  7. Serve immediately: Best served fresh to keep romaine crisp and croutons crunchy. If holding, keep croutons separate and add before serving.

Notes

Use slightly firm pasta and crisp romaine for best texture. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. Dressing can be loosened with a splash of water or more cream if too thick. Salad can be chilled for 15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld but best fresh. For allergy-friendly, use dairy-free cream and Parmesan substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, creamy Caesar salad, quick pasta salad, easy lunch recipe, rotisserie chicken salad

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/creamy-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-fresh-crunch/