Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Name: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cups Caesar dressing; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup croutons; 2 cups cooked chicken

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This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is creamy, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s like your favorite Caesar salad, but even more satisfying with pasta tossed in. Perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or bringing to a potluck.

Looking for more salad recipes? Try this Summer Berry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing or high protein pasta salad next!

A fork holds pasta, lettuce, and grilled chicken above a bowl of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with romaine, dressing, and chicken. Two pepper grinders are in the background.

Table of Contents

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is always a crowd favorite — it’s hearty, easy to throw together, and full of flavor. The rotini soaks up all that creamy Caesar dressing, and the crunchy croutons and tender chicken make every bite awesome.

You can dig in right away or chill it for a bit if you like it colder. Want to mix it up? Toss in extra veggies or another protein and make it your own!

Pssst! Try these honey baked chicken drumsticks or Cherry Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Kabobs next.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Quick & Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ve got a complete meal.
Creamy & Crunchy: The combination of Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons creates a satisfying texture.
Customizable: Add or swap ingredients like tomatoes, bacon, or even avocado for a unique touch.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this chicken Caesar pasta salad recipe:

Top-down view of separated Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad ingredients—romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, cooked chicken, croutons, rotini pasta, and Parmesan cheese—each clearly labeled.

Ingredient Notes

Rotini Pasta: Rotini: I like using Barilla protein pasta for an extra protein and fiber boost.

Caesar Dressing: I used Marzetti® Simply Dressed® Caesar Salad Dressing. Tessame’s Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing is another good option.

Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe to save time, but you can cook your own chicken breast if you prefer.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

Add sliced cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.

Toss in cooked bacon for an extra savory crunch.

Swap out the rotini pasta for another type like penne or fusilli.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad with Caesar Dressing: Step by Step

Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

A stainless steel pot filled with boiling water and rotini pasta cooking on a stove, perfect for preparing a delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

Step 1: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

A glass bowl containing romaine lettuce, Chicken Caesar dressing, shredded Parmesan cheese, croutons, and pasta on a white background for a delicious Pasta Salad.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

A bowl of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with rotini, romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, and grated cheese. In the background, a fresh salad with lemon slices and pepper mills complete this Chicken Caesar-inspired meal.

Step 3: Add cooked chicken on top of the pasta salad. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the dressing.

For extra crunch, toss in some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.

If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, keep the croutons separate to prevent them from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time and adding flavor to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just keep the croutons and lettuce on the side until you’re ready to serve.

What other veggies can I add?

You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots for extra freshness.

Two bowls of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with rotini, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing on a white surface with loose lettuce, croutons, and cherry tomatoes.

I hope you love this chicken Caesar salad with pasta. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!

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