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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy creamy chicken Caesar pasta salad that combines tender chicken, crisp romaine, and a rich homemade Caesar dressing for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Chop or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the romaine lettuce into roughly 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes if using. Grate the Parmesan cheese finely.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to bruise the lettuce.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss gently before serving and optionally sprinkle extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper on top.

Notes

If dressing is too thick, thin with a splash of water or milk. Salt pasta water well to season pasta. Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising lettuce. Anchovy paste adds authentic Caesar flavor but can be omitted.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, creamy Caesar salad, quick dinner, easy pasta salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, weeknight meal

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