Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the ultimate fusion of a crisp garden salad and a comforting Italian pasta dish. Perfectly suited for weeknight meals, it combines tender seared chicken breast, al dente penne, and a savory egg-free Caesar dressing. The ridges of the pasta absorb the dressing beautifully, creating a hearty, flavorful meal that holds its texture well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
8 oz penne pasta
3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup egg-free Caesar dressing
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 cup garlic herb croutons
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne until al dente.
Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Sear chicken cubes in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
Allow chicken to cool for five minutes.
Combine cooled pasta and chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Add chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl.
Drizzle Caesar dressing over the mixture gently.
Toss all ingredients until evenly coated.
Fold in parmesan cheese and croutons just before serving.
Notes
Ensure the pasta is cool before adding to the lettuce to prevent wilting. Freshly grated parmesan provides a superior texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties. This salad stays fresh for lunch when kept in an airtight container, though it is best to add croutons at the last minute to keep them crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg