Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has become my answer to quick crowd-pleasing lunches or potlucks when I want something hearty and bright but crave the savory punch of Caesar flavors It is a mashup of a crisp Caesar salad and a classic pasta dish finished with addictive garlicky breadcrumbs that tend to disappear before the salad even hits the table

The first time I shared this at a family barbecue it vanished in minutes Everyone from my picky niece to my grandfather went back for seconds and now it is always requested at gatherings

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the juicy protein source Choose fresh or thawed chicken and trim any excess fat for even cooking
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: key to bright seasoning Always taste before serving for balance
• Olive oil: helps to brown the chicken and keep it tender Go for a high quality extra virgin olive oil
• Uncooked pasta: I use farfalle which grabs the dressing perfectly Barilla or De Cecco work well but any sturdy pasta shape is fine
• Romaine lettuce hearts: crisp greens add classic Caesar crunch Avoid soggy outer leaves and look for fresh green hearts
• Caesar dressing: rich flavor backbone Use a favorite bottled or homemade version for best results
• Parmesan cheese: salty nutty top note Grate it fresh just before serving for the fullest taste
• Butter for garlicky breadcrumbs: adds richness Use real unsalted butter
• Garlic: brings fragrant punch to the breadcrumbs Fresh garlic makes a difference
• Panko breadcrumbs: extra-crispy topper Look for light and airy Japanese style panko over dense traditional breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pasta Water:

Fill a large pot with water and stir in a big pinch of salt Bring it up to a rolling boil over high heat so your pasta will cook evenly and absorb flavor

Make Garlic Breadcrumbs:

Set a wide sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter Swirl in the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute so the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown Add the panko breadcrumbs and another pinch of salt and black pepper Keep everything moving for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mix becomes evenly golden and crunchy Immediately scrape the breadcrumbs into a bowl so they do not burn and wipe the pan clean

Cook the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper Pour the olive oil into the now clean sauté pan and warm it over medium high heat Once the oil shimmers add your chicken Let it cook undisturbed for four to five minutes then flip and cook another four to five minutes or until the thickest part registers 165 degrees with a thermometer and all pink is gone Let it rest on a cutting board for five to ten minutes and slice into bite sized strips

Boil the Pasta:

While the chicken cooks add the pasta to your boiling water Stir occasionally and cook just until al dente according to the package directions Drain pasta into a colander and run under cold water until completely chilled This stops the cooking and keeps the salad crisp

Assemble the Salad:

Pour the cooled pasta and chopped romaine lettuce into a huge mixing bowl Add the cooked chicken and pour over Caesar dressing Toss gently but thoroughly so every bite gets some of the dressing

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl or platter Top with generous handfuls of the garlicky breadcrumbs and a shower of grated Parmesan cheese Finish with an extra crack of black pepper and serve immediately or chill up to four hours before serving

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My favorite part of this dish is those warm garlicky breadcrumbs They are so crunchy and addictive that people always ask for extra I still remember my brother sneaking back into the kitchen just to scoop out the last bits from the pan

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days If making in advance keep the breadcrumbs separate and sprinkle just before serving so they do not soften The salad is best enjoyed fresh but the flavors do meld nicely overnight

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of chicken try shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut Grilled shrimp or crispy baked chickpeas also work for a different twist Baby kale or spinach can sub for romaine and rigatoni or fusilli make great pasta swaps Homemade Caesar with anchovy paste gives the deepest flavor but bottled saves time

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this as a main dish with fresh fruit or watermelon on the side It also makes a vibrant side at barbecues or packed up for a picnic For something extra try adding halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onions for color and a bit of sweetness

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Recipe Origins

Caesar salad was first made in the 1920s at Caesars restaurant in Tijuana Mexico Adding pasta and chicken is a modern twist that turns a side salad into a full meal I started riffing on this combo for family parties and it stuck because everyone loves the bold flavors and familiar comfort

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely; shredded rotisserie chicken makes a convenient substitute and saves time in the kitchen.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this salad?

Bite-sized options like farfalle, penne, or rotini hold the dressing and mix well with other ingredients.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 hours. Add extra dressing and toss before serving if needed.

→ Are homemade garlic breadcrumbs necessary?

They add great texture, but you can use store-bought croutons or omit them if short on time.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

This salad can be prepped ahead, but combine the dressing and breadcrumbs just before serving.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Omit the chicken and add extra Parmesan or roasted chickpeas for added protein and flavor.