Name: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound uncooked pasta (farfalle); 3 Romaine lettuce hearts (12 ounces), roughly chopped; 1 1/2 cups Caesar dressing; Parmesan cheese, for topping; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors all in one bowl, you are in for a treat with this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad but elevated with tender chicken and comforting pasta, making it a hearty yet refreshing meal. Whether you’re packing lunch for work or bringing something special to a summer picnic, this recipe delivers satisfying texture and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a meal arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a white plate with two raw chicken pieces that are pale pink and smooth. Above it, a white plate holds a large block of light yellow cheese with a hard texture. Below the chicken, a white bowl contains fine, off-white breadcrumbs. Next to it, a small white bowl has smooth, creamy white sauce with a woman’s hand holding a small wooden spoon resting inside. In the center, a speckled white plate has two cloves of garlic, a small white spoon filled with ground black pepper, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, and a bunch of fresh green lettuce leaves on the right. On the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with dry, yellow farfalle pasta with a bow-like shape. In the middle, a small white bowl holds two thick cubes of pale yellow butter. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is what makes this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a vital role—from the juicy, seasoned chicken to the crisp romaine that adds vibrant color and crunch, and the homemade garlic breadcrumbs giving a satisfying pop of texture.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfectly seasoned and cooked for juicy, tender bites.
Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and breadcrumbs to deepen flavors.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, adding a subtle richness.
Pasta (farfalle recommended): Provides a perfect shape to hold onto the creamy dressing and bits of lettuce.
Romaine lettuce hearts: Adds a fresh, crisp bite that lightens the dish.
Caesar dressing: Creamy, tangy, and flavorful, it ties the entire salad together.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory, salty punch.
Butter: Creates the base for toasting garlic and breadcrumbs.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the breadcrumbs with robust, aromatic flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs: Toasted until golden to bring irresistible crunch.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pasta Water

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor right from the start, so don’t be shy with it.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Breadcrumbs

Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat and add minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant. Add the panko breadcrumbs with a good pinch of salt and pepper, stirring until they turn golden brown and crisp. These breadcrumbs will add an addictive texture that perfectly contrasts with the creamy salad.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts well with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in the same sauté pan until shimmering and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thin and bite-sized to evenly distribute throughout the salad.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Drop the pasta into the boiling salted water and cook until just al dente — tender but with a slight bite. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, and Caesar dressing. Gently toss everything so that the dressing coats every ingredient, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the salad immediately topped generously with the crispy garlic breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a few twists of black pepper for extra zing. Alternatively, refrigerate it for up to 4 hours and enjoy it chilled for a refreshing meal.

How to Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

A white plate filled with a fresh salad that has three main layers: at the bottom are bright green romaine lettuce leaves torn into pieces, in the middle are light cream bow-tie pasta shapes, and on top are slices of cooked chicken with a golden brown outside. The salad is sprinkled with a light layer of grated cheese and small bits of toasted breadcrumbs, along with some black pepper scattered throughout. The background is a white marbled surface, and there is a brown bowl with more breadcrumbs in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a handful of garlic breadcrumbs is a must—they bring delightful crunch and recall the classic Caesar salad croutons but with a special garlic punch. A fresh grating of Parmesan cheese on top not only adds saltiness but also a rich, nutty finish that takes this salad over the top.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe is versatile enough to stand alone as a satisfying lunch or light dinner. But if you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or a simple soup like tomato basil or vegetable minestrone. Fresh fruit or a crisp white wine also pairs beautifully for an easy, well-balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a pretty presentation, serve the salad in clear glass bowls so the layers of colorful pasta, green lettuce, and golden breadcrumbs shine through. You can also portion it into individual mason jars to take to picnics or potlucks, making it both visually appealing and convenient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 4 hours to keep the romaine crisp and breadcrumbs crunchy. The flavors meld nicely when rested a bit, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing, mainly because lettuce and dressing textures suffer a lot from freezing and thawing. It’s best to prepare fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and cook the pasta ahead separately if needed.

Reheating

Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, reheat just the chicken and add it to the salad afterward to maintain the fresh textures of the other ingredients. Otherwise, enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle is ideal for holding dressing well, rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta can also work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding grilled vegetables or chickpeas for protein while keeping all the other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is store-bought Caesar dressing okay to use?

Definitely. While homemade dressing is wonderful if you have time, a good-quality store-bought Caesar dressing works perfectly for this salad without compromising on flavor.

How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?

Rinsing the pasta with cold water and using crisp romaine leaves helps keep the salad fresh. Also, toss the salad just before serving and keep it chilled until ready to eat.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep most elements ahead except for tossing everything together. Combine the salad components shortly before serving to ensure crispness and fresh texture in your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines the best of both worlds: comforting pasta and the refreshing crunch of a Caesar salad. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for nearly any occasion. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe everyone loves.