Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of classic Caesar flavors and hearty pasta, making it a perfect addition to your summer picnic or potluck. Originally inspired by a baked casserole dish, this refreshing salad uses tender, store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time, paired with a colorful assortment of tri-colored pasta including penne, spiral, bowties, and shells. Tossed with a rich and creamy Caesar dressing, this dish is elevated by fresh veggies and a generous sprinkle of Italian cheese blend, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Top it off with crunchy croutons for added texture and flavor. Enjoy this easy and quick recipe that serves 4-6, perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tri-colored pasta
7 ounces (cooked and rinsed with cold water)
Rotisserie-cooked chicken
2 cups (shredded (or 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced))
Caesar salad dressing
1 cup (Creamy Style)
Chicken broth
1/2 cup (none)
Green onion
1/3 cup (finely sliced)
Red bell pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
Italian cheese blend
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Croutons
1 cup (prepared (I use my Parmesan Garlic Croutons))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the tri-colored pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to cool down.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken (or diced cooked chicken breasts), creamy Caesar dressing, chicken broth, sliced green onion, diced red bell pepper, shredded Italian cheese blend, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
3
Gently toss the mixture until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5
Before serving, add the croutons to the salad and toss lightly to combine.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?
It is a fusion dish combining classic Caesar salad flavors with pasta, chicken, and fresh vegetables for a hearty meal.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves between 4 and 6 people.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests 7 ounces of tri-colored pasta, such as penne, spirals, bowties, or shells.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is recommended as a time-saving option.
What is an alternative to rotisserie chicken?
You can use 2 cups of diced, cooked chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken.
What kind of Caesar dressing should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Creamy Style Caesar salad dressing.
Why is chicken broth included in the recipe?
The 1/2 cup of chicken broth helps add moisture and flavor to the pasta mixture.
Which vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes finely sliced green onions and diced red bell peppers.
What types of cheese are used in this dish?
The recipe uses a shredded Italian cheese blend and shredded Parmesan cheese.
How much Italian cheese blend is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of shredded Italian cheese blend.
How much Parmesan cheese should I add?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
What should I do after cooking the pasta?
After cooking and draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to cool it down before mixing.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the croutons?
Add the croutons just before serving and toss lightly to keep them crunchy.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is served chilled.
How many croutons are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of prepared croutons.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be finely sliced before being added to the bowl.
What is the preparation for the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be diced into small pieces.
What inspired this pasta salad recipe?
It was originally inspired by a baked casserole dish and transformed into a refreshing salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for meal prep for the week or for taking to a picnic.
What occasions are best for this dish?
It is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and quick weeknight meals.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
Gently toss all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until the dressing is evenly distributed.
How should I cover the salad while it chills?
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients required for this salad.
Can I use specific flavored croutons?
Yes, the author suggests using Parmesan Garlic croutons for extra flavor.
How much pasta is used by weight?
The recipe uses 7 ounces of dry tri-colored pasta.
What is the preparation for the chicken?
The chicken should be either shredded (if rotisserie) or diced (if using breasts).
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is described as an easy and quick recipe that saves time using pre-cooked chicken.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include salad, pasta salad, chicken salad, and summer dish.
How much Caesar dressing is required?
The recipe requires exactly 1 cup of Caesar salad dressing.