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To create the perfect Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient in this delightful dish. Starting with the base, pasta plays a crucial role in providing substance. Rotini or penne pasta are excellent choices, as their shapes hold onto the creamy dressing, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. The right pasta texture is key; it should be cooked until al dente, allowing it to maintain a slight bite that complements the other ingredients.

Classic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Discover the deliciousness of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of classic Caesar flavors with hearty pasta. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy dressing and topped with crunchy croutons. Ideal for summer BBQs, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners, it's nutritious, filling, and incredibly versatile. Elevate your meal with this simple yet satisfying recipe that is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini or penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup fresh romaine lettuce, chopped

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup crispy croutons

½ cup creamy Caesar dressing

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. This also helps cool the pasta down for the salad.

    Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, ensure it is chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can grill or poach fresh chicken breasts before chopping. Set the chicken aside.

      Mix the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a gentle tossing motion to mix the ingredients, being careful not to crush the vegetables.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a large spoon to toss the salad gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated in dressing. Taste and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors.

          Add Finishing Touches: Gently fold in the croutons for a delightful crunch, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you like, mix in some freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, stir the salad gently, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if you wish, and enjoy your refreshing dish!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6