Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Quick, Creamy & Totally Crave-Worthy!)

There’s something magical about this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad cool, creamy, and ready in a flash. Imagine everything you love about a classic Caesar salad but with tender pasta and juicy chicken tossed in… yep, it’s dreamy. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or need a no-fuss lunch that actually satisfies, this one’s your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This salad hits all the happy notes: creamy dressing, crunchy romaine, tender chicken, and pasta that soaks up all that garlicky goodness. It comes together in just 20 minutes, which is basically the dinner jackpot, right? And it’s so customizable. You can throw in grilled shrimp, switch up the greens, or even use tortellini to make it extra cheesy.

It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping your weekday lunches. And when the heat is cranking outside? This chilled bowl of savory comfort is all you need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple and fresh. Here’s what you’re grabbing:

For the Dressing

• ½ cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, but it adds depth!)

For the Pasta Salad

• 8 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
• 2 cups chopped romaine hearts
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded rotisserie or grilled)
• 1 cup croutons
• ⅓ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

1. Whisk the Creamy Caesar Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon, lemon juice, Worcestershire, garlic, Parmesan, and anchovy paste if using. Give it a taste and adjust with salt or pepper if needed. You can chill this while you prep the rest it gets even better with a few minutes to sit.

2. Boil the Pasta Just Right

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, shredded chicken, and shaved Parmesan. Pour on that dreamy Caesar dressing and give everything a gentle toss to coat. Croutons go in last just before serving so they stay crunchy.

Pro tip: Want another summer-perfect salad? Try this juicy, crisp Apple Arugula Salad it’s a sweet-and-savory combo you’ll crave again!

Tips & Variations

• Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, or cucumber for freshness
• Use cheese tortellini for a fun, rich twist
• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or even steak
• Toss in chopped bacon or avocado for extra indulgence
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat (still SO good)

If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until serving. The salad stays crisp this way, especially the romaine and croutons. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge and use within 1–2 days for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

For a fruity side that screams sunshine, check out this vibrant Fall Fruit Salad it pairs like a dream with chicken Caesar anything.

Try this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to Pin it, share with your pasta-loving crew, or follow along for more cozy favorites.

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