Description
A hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, combining classic Caesar salad flavors with pasta, perfect for quick dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups diced chicken (tenderloins or chicken breasts)
- 4 slices bacon (or turkey bacon)
- 8 ounces short pasta (such as fusilli or rotini, cooked al dente)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 cup croutons (preferably homemade garlic croutons)
- 1 tablespoon salad supreme seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup Ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the short pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with poultry seasoning, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels, and chop into pieces.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Caesar dressing and Ranch dressing. Mix in the salad supreme seasoning, if using.
- Combine ingredients: In the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, chopped romaine, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Add croutons: Just before serving, fold in the croutons for that satisfying crunch.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate your pasta salad and, if you like, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for garnish.
Notes
For a lighter option, use turkey bacon or light dressings. Customize with extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta salad, Caesar salad, easy recipe, summer dish