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Creamy Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad

A creamy and satisfying pasta salad made with tender pasta, cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons. It is perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, picnics, or family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 46 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, optional
  • ½ cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 cup seasoned croutons
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Allow the pasta to drain well, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. Chop or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  7. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing mixture over the cooled pasta.
  8. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  9. Add the chopped chicken and Parmesan cheese, then mix gently.
  10. Fold in the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes.
  11. Add any optional vegetables or additional ingredients.
  12. Pour in more Caesar dressing as needed and toss gently until the salad reaches your preferred creaminess.
  13. Cover and refrigerate for about 20 minutes, if desired.
  14. Add the croutons immediately before serving so they remain crunchy.
  15. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, black pepper, and lemon wedges.
  16. Serve chilled or slightly cool.