Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of creamy Caesar dressing, tender grilled chicken, and al dente penne pasta. This hearty yet refreshing dish combines crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, making it both satisfying and full of texture. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are the star, cooked to golden perfection and sliced into savory strips that pair beautifully with the tangy dressing and pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a summer lunch, a family barbecue, or a make-ahead meal prep option. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant finish and enjoy this irresistible crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 0.75 cups Caesar dressing
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Croutons
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Coat the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Add the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced chicken, and croutons to the bowl. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2717 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.5 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.1 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 6051 mg | 263% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 348.6 g | 127% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.0 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 179.6 g | 359% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 707 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 20.2 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 3019 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
