Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 stalks of romaine lettuce
- 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of rotini pasta, uncooked (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 cup of croutons
- 1 cup of Caesar dressing
- Black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to cool it down quickly. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Prepare the Lettuce:
- While the pasta is cooking, wash the romaine lettuce under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Remove the core and discard any wilted outer leaves.
- Chop the lettuce into bite-size pieces.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Add the croutons and pour the Caesar dressing over the salad.
- If using, sprinkle black pepper over the top.
- Toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately to ensure the lettuce remains crisp and the croutons stay crunchy.
- If desired, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper.
Tips:
- Chicken: For convenience, use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
- Pasta Choice: You can use any type of pasta, but short shapes like penne, fusilli, or bow ties work best as they hold the dressing well.
- Dressing: Adjust the amount of Caesar dressing based on your preference. For a lighter version, you can use less dressing or a lighter Caesar dressing.
- Add-Ins: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, or diced cucumbers.
This enhanced recipe guide provides clear instructions and additional tips to help you make a delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Enjoy your meal!
