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Making the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A delightful chilled pasta salad perfect for summer events, featuring tender chicken and a rich Caesar dressing that bring together fresh flavors in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Pasta:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill
  • 6 to 8 ounces pasta (cellentani, penne, or bowtie)

For the Salad:

  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, thinly sliced (about 6 to 8 cups)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • cup croutons or breadcrumbs

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (add more if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons capers with brine
  • ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)

Instructions
 

For Pasta:

  • Bring water to a boil in a sizable pot, add a touch of salt, and then cook the pasta according to package instructions for about 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.

For the Chicken:

  • Slice chicken breasts in half for quicker cooking and season with pepper, salt, garlic powder, and dill. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Once cooked, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest briefly before cubing into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it retains its juices.

For Dressing:

  • In a small food processor or blender, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers with their liquid, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until mixture is smooth, tasting to adjust flavor as needed. Thin it with additional mayo or water if necessary.

For Assembly:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced romaine, Parmesan cheese, chicken pieces, and most of the dressing. Toss well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
  • Top with croutons or breadcrumbs for added crunch and drizzle with extra dressing if desired. Serve right away and enjoy this protein-rich summer dish!