Description
A creamy, tangy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine, and homemade dressing. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy dinners. Packed with flavor and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup crumbled part-skim ricotta cheese (or vegan alternative)
1/2 cup croutons
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
Homemade Caesar dressing:
– 2 egg yolks
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 2 garlic cloves (minced)
– 1 anchovy fillet (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until fully cooked (165°F). Let rest, then slice into strips.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl until emulsified. Adjust seasoning.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, romaine, croutons, and sliced chicken.
5. Toss with Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Top with ricotta and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days. Customize with cherry tomatoes, avocado, or steamed broccoli. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American