Description
A refreshing and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines al dente penne pasta with tender, seasoned chicken breasts, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing enhanced with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a light lunch or a delicious side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
Salad Mix
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
Dressing
- 2/3 cup Caesar dressing
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into 1-inch pieces.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, and sliced chicken pieces to the bowl with the pasta.
- Make Dressing and Toss: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, freshly chopped parsley, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture, or chill briefly in the refrigerator for a cool pasta salad experience.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Caesar dressing or a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- Croutons add a delightful crunch, but can be omitted for a gluten-free version; consider toasted gluten-free bread cubes instead.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add a squeeze more lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, penne pasta salad, easy chicken salad, summer pasta salad, Caesar dressing salad
