Viral Caesar Pasta Salad with Chicken

Name: Viral Caesar Pasta Salad with Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces Penne Pasta (or any short pasta shape like rotini or fusilli); 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded or diced, pre-cooked for convenience); 1 head Romaine Lettuce (chopped); 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved); 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded or grated); 1 cup Croutons (for topping); 1 cup Caesar Dressing (store-bought or homemade); to taste Salt (for pasta water and seasoning); to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

This recipe guides you through making the popular viral Caesar pasta salad, featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing. It's a satisfying and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, offering a twist on the classic Caesar salad in a convenient pasta format.

#Chicken Pasta

#Caesar Salad

#Healthy Recipes

#Pasta Salad

#Dinner

#Easy Meal

#Lunch

#Viral Recipe

Cooked pasta ready for mixing

Recipe Information

10m

Prep Time

12m

Cook Time

22m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

450

Calories

30g

Protein

45g

Carbs

20g

Fat

Ingredients prepped and ready for assembly

Ingredients

Penne Pasta
(or any short pasta shape like rotini or fusilli)
12 ounces
Cooked Chicken Breast
(shredded or diced, pre-cooked for convenience)
2 cups
Romaine Lettuce
(chopped)
1 head
Cherry Tomatoes
(halved)
1 cup
Parmesan Cheese
(shredded or grated)
1 cup
Croutons
(for topping)
1 cup
Caesar Dressing
(store-bought or homemade)
1 cup
Salt
(for pasta water and seasoning)
to taste
Black Pepper
(freshly ground)
to taste

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Pasta salad being tossed with dressing

Instructions

0/5 completed

1
Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down the pasta. Set aside.
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12m
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Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down the pasta. Set aside.
12m
Rinsing with cold water is crucial for pasta salads to prevent sticking and cool the pasta for immediate mixing.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare your ingredients. Chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces if not already shredded. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
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5m
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While the pasta cooks, prepare your ingredients. Chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces if not already shredded. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
5m
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save a lot of prep time.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes.
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2m
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes.
2m
Ensure the pasta is thoroughly cooled to prevent the lettuce from wilting when mixed.
4
Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture. Add shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
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2m
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Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture. Add shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
2m
Start with a little less dressing and add more if needed, as preferences vary.
5
Serve immediately, topped with croutons. For best flavor, you can chill the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving, then add croutons right before eating to keep them crispy.
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1m
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Serve immediately, topped with croutons. For best flavor, you can chill the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving, then add croutons right before eating to keep them crispy.
1m
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but add croutons just before serving each portion.