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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe with Grilled Chicken Perfect for Summer

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A rich and tangy creamy Caesar pasta salad featuring smoky grilled chicken, tender pasta, and fresh Romaine lettuce. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salad is quick to make and delicious served chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • 3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 75 g)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling and drizzling)
  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, anchovy fillets (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced grilled chicken, chopped Romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle croutons over the salad and drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired. Toss gently again and taste; adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  6. Optional: Refrigerate salad for 20-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If dressing is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water or milk to loosen. Do not overcook pasta to maintain a slight bite. Anchovies are optional; Worcestershire sauce can substitute for umami flavor. For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Store croutons separately to keep them crunchy. Salad tastes better after chilling 20-30 minutes. Can substitute gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad, Summer Pasta Salad, Caesar Dressing, Easy Pasta Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-with-grilled-chicken-perfect-for-summer/