Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chicken

Name: Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta; 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup Caesar dressing (homemade preferred); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Juice of 1 lemon

Published: August 19, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chicken is easy to whip up on busy weeknights
Its creamy dressing and crunchy toppings create an irresistible flavor profile
Visually stunning with vibrant colors, this salad is perfect for any occasion
Whether served as a side or main dish, it’s always a crowd-pleaser

I remember the first time I made this Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chicken for my family; their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen. a refreshing ambrosia salad.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; adjust according to how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): Choose short pasta shapes to hold onto the dressing perfectly.
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp romaine provides that essential crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for a richer flavor; it melts beautifully into the salad.
Caesar Dressing: Opt for homemade if you can; it’ll elevate your salad from good to spectacular. For more inspiration, check out this Blueberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps achieve that golden crispy chicken crust.
Garlic Powder: This adds depth to both chicken and dressing; don’t skip it!
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that extra crispy texture on the chicken, think crunch with every bite!
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up all the flavors and adds zing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat chicken breasts lightly in olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Place seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through; you’ll know it’s ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C).

Cook Your Pasta Perfectly: While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes is usually perfect.

Toss Everything Together: Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, crispy chicken cut into bite-sized pieces, and Parmesan cheese. crispy garlic parmesan wedges.

Add That Creamy Dressing!: Drizzle Caesar dressing over the mixture. Toss gently until everything is coated, don’t be shy! You want each noodle swimming in that creamy goodness.

Squeeze Some Lemon Juice On Top!: Finally, add lemon juice to brighten up all the flavors before serving. Mix well one last time and enjoy!

Now you have a vibrant Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chicken ready to impress family or guests alike! Enjoy every delightful bite while basking in your kitchen triumph! For more inspiration, check out this Refreshing Lemon Orzo Salad recipe.

You Must Know

This Caesar Pasta Salad with Crispy Chicken is a perfect blend of flavors and textures
The crunchiness of the chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing, creating a delightful experience in every bite
Plus, it’s easy to whip up for any occasion!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning and searing the chicken until golden brown; while it cooks, boil your pasta. Toss everything together with the dressing for an efficient, flavorful meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try adding cherry tomatoes, olives, or even bacon for extra savory goodness. Customize to suit your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold for a refreshing meal.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfectly crispy chicken, ensure it’s patted dry before seasoning
Use leftover pasta for quicker prep time
For vibrant flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of summer barbecues with friends, where laughter rang out as we devoured this dish until our plates were spotless.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for chicken?

Try grilled shrimp or tofu for a tasty vegetarian option.

How do I make the dressing healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy dressing without compromising flavor.

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