Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
plus more to cook the pasta
- 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
finely chopped
- 4 anchovy filets
rinsed and finely chopped, optional
- 2 tbsp. capers
drained and chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
plus more for serving
- 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise
- 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 c. whole milk
- 16 oz. medium shell pasta
- 3 c. diced
cooked chicken
- 3 c. sliced romaine lettuce
about 1 heart
- 2 c. store-bought or homemade croutons
- 1 c. shaved parmesan
plus more to serve
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, garlic, anchovy filets (if using), capers, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth. Whisk in the mayonnaise until well combined. Whisk in the grated parmesan and whole milk.
- 3
Cook the pasta for 1 minute longer than the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
- 4
Place the cooled pasta in the large bowl with the dressing. Add the chicken, lettuce, croutons, and shaved parmesan, folding to combine. Serve immediately with extra black pepper and shaved parmesan.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 4 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Elevate your potluck game or weeknight dinner with this irresistible Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, a dish that combines the best of a classic Caesar with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. It’s the perfect solution when you crave big flavors without a lot of fuss.
You'll love how this recipe transforms familiar Caesar flavors—creamy, tangy dressing, savory Parmesan, and crisp romaine—into a crowd-pleasing pasta salad. The rich, homemade-tasting dressing, infused with garlic, lemon, and a hint of umami from anchovies and Worcestershire, coats every piece of pasta and tender chicken for a truly harmonious bite.
Imagine tender medium shell pasta tossed with succulent diced chicken and a perfectly balanced, creamy Caesar dressing. Each forkful delivers a delightful contrast: the chewiness of the pasta and chicken alongside the refreshing crunch of crisp romaine lettuce and savory croutons. The generous amounts of grated and shaved Parmesan cheese ensure a deeply savory, satisfying experience, making this a substantial and flavorful meal on its own or a fantastic side dish. It's a pasta salad that feels both familiar and exciting, with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.
This versatile Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad welcomes your personal touch. Feel free to swap the diced chicken for pan-seared steak, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. If anchovies aren't your preference, simply omit them—the dressing will still be packed with delicious flavor. For an extra pop of color and texture, consider adding halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onion.
Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or a flavorful make-ahead lunch, this salad is substantial enough to be a main course. Serve it chilled, garnished with extra shaved Parmesan and a generous crack of black pepper, alongside a light soup or crusty bread.