Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a hearty, satisfying twist on the classic Caesar salad. Juicy grilled chicken, crunchy romaine, tender pasta, and garlicky breadcrumbs are tossed in creamy Caesar dressing and topped with Parmesan for the perfect lunch, dinner, or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound uncooked pasta (e.g., farfalle)
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3 Romaine lettuce hearts (12 ounces), roughly chopped
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1 1/2 cups Caesar dressing*
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Parmesan cheese, for topping
Garlic Breadcrumbs:
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1 tablespoon butter
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2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
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1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
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Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken:
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
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Let rest, then slice or dice.
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Cook the Pasta:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions.
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Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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Make Garlic Breadcrumbs:
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Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
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Stir in Panko, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until golden and crisp. Remove from heat and cool.
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Assemble the Salad:
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, chopped Romaine, Caesar dressing, and chicken. Toss until well combined.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan and garlic breadcrumbs just before serving.
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Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced red onion for extra flavor.
Use a high-quality Caesar dressing or homemade for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caesar salad, pasta salad, chicken Caesar pasta, summer salad, meal prep