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Delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A bright, creamy, and satisfying pasta salad that combines chicken, bacon, and a tangy Caesar-Ranch dressing, perfect for quick weeknight meals or easy lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups diced chicken (tenderloins or chicken breasts) Main protein; can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 4 slices bacon (or turkey bacon) Adds crunch and flavor.
  • 8 ounces short pasta (fusilli or rotini), cooked al dente Twists hold dressing better; semolina pasta recommended.
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped Adds freshness; can mix with spinach.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded For topping.
  • 1 cup croutons Store-bought or homemade; add for crunch.
  • 1 tablespoon salad supreme seasoning (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing Use a good refrigerated dressing for best texture.
  • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing Combines with Caesar for balance.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or cajun/lemon pepper) For seasoning chicken.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta al dente in salted boiling water, then drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Pat chicken dry, dice it, and season with poultry seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Whisk together Caesar and Ranch dressings until smooth.
  2. In a large bowl, toss warm pasta with diced chicken and the prepared dressing until well coated.
  3. Before serving, fold in chopped romaine, croutons, Parmesan, and chopped bacon.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch. For meal prep, pack pasta and chicken with dressing in one container and lettuce and croutons in another.