– 8 ounces rotini pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
– 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
– ¾ cup Caesar dressing
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ¼ cup croutons (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Creating the 20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is straightforward and can be done in just a few easy steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prep the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, prepare the cooked chicken. If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, you can grill, sauté, or shred store-bought rotisserie chicken.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the diced chicken, cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing.
4. Mix Well: Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Add Cheese and Croutons: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and add croutons, if desired. Toss again to combine flavors.
6. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
7. Garnish: If you’d like, add fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve: Plate the salad into bowls or serve from the large mixing bowl. Enjoy!