Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

By Lena AbrahamUpdated: Jul 6, 2023

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

preview for This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Is What Your BBQ Is Missing

4.5

4 Ratings

Yields:: 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 10 mins
Total Time:: 30 mins

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Caesar salad fans—get ready to meet your new favorite BBQ side. For this pasta salad recipe, we took everything we loved about the classic salad and added penne. The result is a pasta salad that is not only hearty and filling, but crisp and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for an easy, quick lunch, a potluck side, or an addition to your summer dinner, this pasta salad won’t let you down.

Although some pasta salads are perfect make-ahead sides, this one is really best served fresh. If made ahead and combined, the lettuce will start to wilt and get soggy—nobody wants that. As far as the dressing goes, you can totally choose your favorite store-bought variety, but we highly recommend making our homemade Caesar dressing for the best pasta salad imaginable.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

1 lb.
penne
1 Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
2
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp.
Italian seasoning
1 tsp.
garlic powder
Kosher salt
2 c.
chopped romaine lettuce
1 c.
halved grape tomatoes
1/2 c.
freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 c.
croutons
2/3 c.
Caesar dressing
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 Tbsp.
freshly chopped parsley
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Step 1In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to large bowl.
2. Step 2 Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Cook until golden and cooked through, 8 minutes per side. Let rest 10 minutes, then cut into 1" pieces.
3. Step 3 Add romaine, tomatoes, Parmesan, croutons, and chicken to pasta bowl.
4. Step 4 In a medium bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, lemon juice, and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Pour over penne mixture and toss to combine.