Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for this recipe. Just shred or dice it up - the pre-cooked convenience saves so much time, and the flavor is fantastic. I grab one every time I'm at the grocery store just for this salad!

How can I make this vegetarian?

Easy peasy! Skip the chicken and toss in some chickpeas or white beans instead. They give that same satisfying protein punch. For extra yum, try marinated artichoke hearts - they add a lovely tang that works beautifully with the Caesar flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You bet! Just keep the dressing and lettuce separate until you're ready to serve. The pasta and chicken can hang out together in the fridge for a day or two. When it's go-time, toss everything together with the dressing and boom - instant deliciousness!

What's the best pasta shape to use?

I'm partial to penne (those ridges hold dressing like a dream), but any short pasta works. Farfalle, rotini, even shells - they'll all soak up that creamy goodness. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti - they're not as salad-friendly.

Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in Just 25 Minutes

Name: Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in Just 25 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced; 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup Caesar dressing; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup croutons; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in Just 25 Minutes

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A delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with tender pasta and grilled chicken. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Author: PureCookingJoy
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup croutons
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, grill the chicken before dicing.
Add cherry tomatoes or avocado for a fresh twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Find it online: https://purecookingjoy.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/