Do you ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering how to whip up something delicious and quick? Well, that was me last Tuesday—until I remembered the magic of a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It’s like the comfort of a Caesar salad met the heartiness of pasta, and they decided to throw a party in your bowl. Perfect for those busy evenings when you want something light but fulfilling, this recipe has quickly become my kitchen hero.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste in a medium bowl. Once combined, mix in finely grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of pepper, then set the dressing aside.
- Cook the pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook for around 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Chop the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces and add them to the bowl with the pasta. Include your choice of protein, such as rotisserie chicken or another preferred option.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and toss everything together until well mixed. Add croutons if desired, and finish by garnishing with Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the salad immediately or cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy as a main dish or a side for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breasts
- Croutons (optional)
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
FAQ
- Can I make the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad without anchovy paste?
- Yes, you can omit the anchovy paste if you prefer. However, it does provide a traditional Caesar dressing flavor. Feel free to skip it or substitute with a small amount of fish sauce for a similar taste.
- What proteins can be added to this pasta salad instead of chicken?
- Besides rotisserie chicken, you can add roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or skirt steak. These alternatives make for a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.
- How can I save time when preparing this salad?
- To cut down on prep time, make the dressing and the salad separately and store them in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
- Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
- Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and anchovy paste to make this salad vegetarian. The salad is still flavorful and satisfying with just the pasta, Romaine, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- What type of pasta works best for this salad?
- Rotini or penne pasta are recommended as they hold the dressing well and complement the salad’s texture. For a fun variation, you can also use cheesy tortellini.
Tips
- To save time, prepare the dressing and the salad ingredients separately, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This way, you can quickly toss them together when needed.
- Consider using a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience, but don’t hesitate to swap it with other proteins like roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or skirt steak for a different flavor profile.
- If you’re looking for a unique twist, try using cheesy tortellini instead of traditional pasta. It adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- For an authentic Caesar dressing flavor, include anchovy paste. However, if you prefer a milder taste, feel free to omit it. Adding grated Parmesan directly into the dressing is key for a rich, savory taste.
Equipment
- Large Pot – For boiling pasta.
- Large Serving Bowl – To combine the pasta salad ingredients.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – For preparing the dressing.
- Whisk – To mix and emulsify the dressing ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping Romaine hearts and any additional protein.
- Cutting Board – For dicing chicken and chopping lettuce.
