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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty dish combining tender seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, al dente pasta, fresh romaine, and a creamy Caesar-ranch dressing. This salad is perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner, offering a flavorful twist on the classic Caesar with the addition of bacon and pasta for extra substance.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Salad

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
  • 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (e.g., cajun, lemon pepper)
  • 8 strips bacon, diced
  • 1 lb short pasta (rotini or fusilli)
  • 12 oz romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly shredded (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 cup garlic butter croutons, partially crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salad supreme seasoning (Perfect Pinch brand or equivalent), or to taste
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/3 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 small garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Liberally season the diced chicken pieces on all sides with your desired poultry seasoning such as Cajun or lemon pepper to infuse them with flavor.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium-low heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy on both sides. Once done, remove the bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving a little for cooking the chicken.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and cook the seasoned chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, freshly shredded parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, Caesar dressing, and ranch dressing. Mix gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
  6. Add Lettuce and Croutons at Serving: To maintain freshness if you have leftovers, do not mix in the chopped romaine lettuce or the crushed croutons into the whole salad. Add them just before serving to avoid wilted greens and soggy croutons.
  7. Serve: Plate the salad and top with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of salad supreme seasoning for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use poultry seasoning of your choice for different flavor profiles like Cajun or lemon pepper.
  • Do not mix the romaine lettuce and croutons into the entire salad if storing leftovers to maintain their texture.
  • For a healthier option, substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely.
  • The pasta can be any short variety such as fusilli, rotini, or penne.
  • Homemade Caesar dressing adds freshness but store-bought versions can be used for convenience.
  • Adjust seasoning and dressing quantities to taste preferences.
  • Serve immediately after adding lettuce and croutons for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad with Pasta, Chicken pasta salad, creamy chicken salad, bacon pasta salad

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