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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: A Crispy, Creamy One-Bowl Meal
Emily

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: A Crispy, Creamy One-Bowl Meal

A quick, customizable dish combining tangy Caesar dressing, tender chicken, and crisp romaine in a single bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, with bold flavors and 30-minute preparation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American Fusion
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 1 teaspoon capers for halal)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and lemon juice until fully emulsified
  2. While whisking, slowly add mayonnaise while keeping the sauce thick and cohesive
  3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy paste (or capers) for savory depth
  4. Toss in grated Parmesan cheese and season with pepper
  5. Bring a 6-quart pot of salted water to a rolling boil
  6. Add pasta and cook al dente for 10 minutes (avoid mushy pasta)
  7. Drain while reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for potential adjustments
  8. Transfer cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl
  9. Chop romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl with croutons, chicken, and pasta
  10. Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated
  11. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed

Notes

For halal option, replace anchovy paste with capers
Omit croutons for gluten-free version
Store dressing separately and add fresh croutons before serving for maximum crispiness