There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly crafted Caesar salad – that burst of garlic, the tang of lemon, and the umami depth of Parmesan and anchovies. Now, imagine that classic flavor profile elevated with tender chicken and al dente pasta. Welcome to your new favorite meal: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup (100g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup (50g) croutons
For the Classic Caesar Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 anchovy fillets
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill or pan-fry until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing
- In a food processor, blend garlic and anchovies until smooth.
- Add egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Pulse to combine.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with half of the dressing.
- Add chopped romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, and most of the Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with remaining dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Top with croutons and the reserved Parmesan cheese.
Chef’s Tips
- For an extra punch of flavor, grill the chicken with a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
- Make it a meal prep favorite by keeping the lettuce and croutons separate until ready to serve.
- Try it with grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a delightful seafood twist!
Dive into this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and let the flavors transport you to a sun-drenched Italian piazza. It’s the perfect balance of fresh and indulgent, crisp and creamy. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Buon appetito!
