Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Quick 20-Minute Recipe)

Transform your favorite Caesar salad into a hearty, satisfying meal with this incredible Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines crisp romaine, tender rotisserie chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta with a homemade Caesar dressing that’s so good, you’ll never buy store-bought again.

Ingredients

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1 pound rotini or penne pasta, uncooked
• 6 cups hearts of Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or 2 grilled chicken breasts, chopped)
• 1 cup croutons (optional, but adds amazing crunch)
• Additional Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caesar Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
2. Add the mayonnaise and minced garlic, whisking until smooth and creamy.
3. If using anchovy paste (trust me on this one!), whisk it in until completely incorporated.
4. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the dressing is thick and glossy.
5. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Let the pasta cool completely while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and chopped Romaine lettuce.
2. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and toss gently to distribute.
3. Pour the Caesar dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is well coated.
4. If using croutons, add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.
5. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 10 generous servings

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 285
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Let me tell you why this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, and meal prep Sundays. First, it’s incredibly versatile – you can make it your own by swapping proteins or adding your favorite vegetables. The homemade Caesar dressing is absolutely game-changing; it’s creamy, tangy, and has that perfect umami depth that makes every bite irresistible.

What I love most is how this recipe transforms a simple side salad into a complete, satisfying meal. The pasta adds substance and makes it filling enough to serve as dinner, while the crisp romaine keeps it feeling fresh and light. Plus, it’s one of those magical recipes that actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

The best part? You can have this entire dish ready in just 20 minutes using rotisserie chicken from the store. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious and homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Cook’s Tips and Variations

My Secret Tips for Success:

• Don’t skip the anchovy paste! I know it sounds scary, but it adds that authentic Caesar flavor without being fishy. You can’t even taste it – it just makes everything taste more delicious.
• Rinse your pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from getting mushy.
• Add croutons last to keep them crispy, or serve them on the side for people to add their own.
• Make extra dressing – this Caesar dressing is so good, you’ll want to use it on regular salads too.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Protein Swaps: Try grilled shrimp, roasted salmon, or even leftover steak instead of chicken
• Veggie Additions: Diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or celery add great crunch and color
• Pasta Alternatives: Cheese tortellini makes this extra indulgent, or try whole wheat pasta for added nutrition
• Lighter Version: Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing

Make-Ahead Magic:

You can prep the dressing and cook the pasta up to 2 days ahead. Just store them separately and combine everything right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas

This hearty pasta salad pairs beautifully with so many dishes! For summer barbecues, serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob and fresh watermelon. It’s also fantastic with a simple soup like tomato basil or chicken noodle for a comforting lunch.

For a complete dinner spread, I love pairing it with garlic bread and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine complements the creamy Caesar dressing perfectly.

If you’re serving this at a potluck, it goes wonderfully with other crowd-pleasers like mac and cheese, coleslaw, or fruit salad. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s substantial enough to stand on its own but also plays well with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep all the components separately and combine them up to 2 hours before serving. For best results, add the croutons and extra Parmesan just before serving to maintain texture.

Q: Do I really need the anchovy paste?
A: While it’s optional, I highly recommend it! It adds authentic Caesar flavor without being fishy. If you’re vegetarian or really can’t stand the idea, you can omit it, but the dressing won’t have quite the same depth.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Rotini and penne work best because their shapes hold the dressing well, but you can use any short pasta. Bow ties, shells, or even cheese tortellini are delicious alternatives.

Q: How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
A: The pasta salad will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture. The lettuce may wilt slightly after the first day.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your croutons are gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q: What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
A: You can easily cook your own! Season 2-3 chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or pan-fry until cooked through. Let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations – I’m always looking for new ways to jazz up this family favorite.