Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

5 from 2 votes

This is an easy pasta salad with chicken, loaded with tomatoes and lettuce, and tossed with a homemade Caesar dressing.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Low Fat

Servings:

Author: Rena

Cook the 8 ounces pasta according to the package directions.
Once the pasta is done, drain well in a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Season the 1 pound chicken breast with some kosher salt & pepper. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoon olive oil and heat until shimmering.
Place the chicken breast into the hot pan and sear each side until nicely golden-brown about 4 to 6 minutes per side.
While the chicken is cooking, chop the 1 romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces and cut the 1- pint cherry tomatoes - or grape tomatoes in half.
Once the chicken is done, place it on a cutting board and then slice it into bite-size pieces.
Next, place the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes in a large salad bowl.
Drizzle 1 1/2 cup homemade Caesar on top and toss well to combine. Garnish with 1/3 cup freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
Serve the salad cold or at room temperature.

Use cold leftover chicken or you may use rotisserie chicken which works great in this pasta salad recipe.
Be sure not to overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is ideal. Also, make sure you drain and rinse the pasta to stop the pasta from cooking further.
Use high-quality and freshly grated parmesan cheese. It will be able to taste the difference!
Use any Pasta of choice. Whole wheat, gluten-free, or lentil pasta will work just fine.
To make this pasta salad vegetarian, skip the chicken.
Enjoy this chicken pasta salad at room temperature or chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.