What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep it in a sealed container, but wait to add the romaine and croutons until just before eating to keep them from going soggy.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this dish.

What’s in Salad Supreme seasoning?

It’s a mix that includes Romano cheese, sesame and poppy seeds, paprika, and other spices. If you don’t have it, mix some Italian seasoning with a sprinkle of paprika as a substitute.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Sure! Prep everything ahead, but keep the croutons and romaine separate until you’re ready to serve to keep them fresh.

What can I use in place of bacon?

Try turkey bacon for a lighter option, or if you want a vegetarian alternative, crispy chickpeas are a tasty replacement.

Chicken Caesar Pasta - Great for Dinners or Lunch Prep

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Dish | tastybysophie.com

This crowd-pleasing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe emerged from a need to create a heat-resistant dish for summer gatherings. The combination proved so popular that it vanished within minutes at a recent potluck, with multiple guests requesting the recipe. Now it's become a regular household favorite due to its simplicity and universal appeal.

This versatile dish has even won over picky eaters, converting salad skeptics into enthusiastic fans with its delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients List

Chicken: Tenderloins or diced boneless breasts, alternatively rotisserie chicken for convenience
Bacon: Fresh-cooked, crispy strips for authentic flavor and crunch
Pasta: Ridged rotini or farfalle to capture dressing effectively
Romaine: Fresh hearts for optimal crunch and moisture control
Parmesan: Freshly grated block cheese for superior flavor
Croutons: Garlic-seasoned, lightly crushed for easier eating
Salad Supreme Seasoning: Essential flavor enhancer
Dressings: Equal parts caesar and ranch for optimal coating

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Preparation Method

Protein Preparation

Cook bacon until crispy, then utilize the rendered fat combined with olive oil for cooking seasoned, patted-dry chicken pieces.

Pasta Technique

Cook pasta to al dente, immediately cool under running water, and toss with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Assembly Strategy

Combine all ingredients except romaine and croutons initially. This allows flavors to develop while maintaining optimal texture. Add the final components just before serving.

Finishing Touches

Garnish with fresh parmesan shavings and Salad Supreme seasoning for enhanced presentation and flavor.

The distinctive dressing combination originated from necessity but became intentional, creating a perfect balance of garlic and herb flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a standalone meal or accompanied by fresh fruit. Present in a large wooden bowl for gatherings, with extra dressing available. Ideal for transport to outdoor events due to its stable ingredients.

Variations

Consider adding cherry tomatoes, substituting shrimp for chicken, incorporating avocado, or creating a vegetarian version with chickpeas and additional vegetables.

Storage Guidelines

Separate storage of components enables convenient meal prep. Store dressed base mixture separately from crisp elements for optimal freshness and texture preservation.

Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Expert Recommendations

Use well-salted pasta water for proper seasoning
Cut romaine into manageable, bite-sized portions
Adjust dressing consistency for leftover servings

This elevated pasta salad combines classic elements in a thoughtfully crafted blend of textures and flavors, creating a satisfying and reliable dish suitable for various occasions.

Recipe FAQs

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?: Keep it in a sealed container, but wait to add the romaine and croutons until just before eating to keep them from going soggy.
→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?: Absolutely, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this dish.
→ What’s in Salad Supreme seasoning?: It’s a mix that includes Romano cheese, sesame and poppy seeds, paprika, and other spices. If you don’t have it, mix some Italian seasoning with a sprinkle of paprika as a substitute.
→ Can I prepare it in advance?: Sure! Prep everything ahead, but keep the croutons and romaine separate until you’re ready to serve to keep them fresh.
→ What can I use in place of bacon?: Try turkey bacon for a lighter option, or if you want a vegetarian alternative, crispy chickpeas are a tasty replacement.

Chicken Pasta Salad

A unique take on Caesar salad that features pasta, flavorful chicken, crunchy romaine, crispy bacon, and a creamy Caesar-ranch mix.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

30 min

By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Protein & Pasta

01 One and a half pounds of diced chicken breasts or tenders

02 Eight slices of bacon, chopped

03 A pound of bite-sized pasta like rotini or fusilli

→ Vegetables & Toppings

04 Twelve ounces of romaine, roughly cut up

05 Half a cup of freshly grated parmesan, with extra for garnish

06 Half a cup of partially crushed, buttery garlic croutons

→ Seasonings & Dressings

07 Two tablespoons of poultry seasoning, like cajun or lemon pepper

08 One teaspoon of Salad Supreme seasoning (e.g., Perfect Pinch)

09 Half a cup of creamy caesar dressing

10 One-third cup of ranch dressing

11 Two tablespoons of olive oil

→ Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing

12 One cup of mayo

13 One tablespoon of spicy dijon mustard

14 One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

15 Three small garlic cloves, diced fine

16 Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

17 Three-quarters of a cup of freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano

18 A quarter teaspoon of salt

19 Half a teaspoon of ground black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Generously coat all sides of your chicken pieces with your favorite seasoning, such as cajun or lemon pepper.

Step 02

In a pan over lower-medium heat, fry the bacon chunks until they’re crispy. Move them to a plate with paper towels and get rid of most of the grease in the pan.

Step 03

Heat the skillet with a splash of olive oil, cooking the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes on each side until their inside reaches 165°F.

Step 04

Boil the pasta in salty water following the cooking time on the package until tender but still firm to bite. Drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

Step 05

Take a large mixing bowl and combine the chilled pasta, chicken pieces, bits of bacon, shredded parmesan, salad seasoning, and the dressings. Stir it all well.

Step 06

Before you plate it up, mix in the romaine and croutons. Sprinkle a bit more parmesan and seasoning on top for extra flavor.

Notes

Wait until you’re ready to eat before adding romaine and croutons to avoid everything getting limp or soggy.

Makes tasty, simple lunches for meal prepping!

You can use pre-made dressings or go the homemade route.

Required Tools

One big skillet

A large pot to boil the pasta

A colander to drain the pasta

A large bowl for mixing

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.

Has dairy (parmesan, ranch dressing)
Contains wheat (pasta, croutons)
Includes eggs (mayo in the dressing)

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.

Calories: 575
Fats: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Proteins: 28 g