Name: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces farfalle pasta (or other medium pasta); 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup croutons; 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; lemon wedges (for serving); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (or ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste); 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream); ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (more to taste); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon anchovy paste; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Flavor: This salad has the classic savory, tangy flavor of Caesar salad paired with hearty pasta, smoky bacon, and crunchy croutons.

Prep Note: Make the dressing first so the garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and anchovy flavors can blend while you prep the salad.

Time-Saving Tip: Use rotisserie chicken, bottled Caesar dressing, or pre-cooked bacon for faster and easier prep.

Total Time: 30 Mins Servings: 8 Cooking Method: Stovetop/Grilled

Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

lettuce , parmesan , oil , pasta , croutons , chicken , cajun seasoning , bacon , dressing with labels to make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Farfalle Pasta: This shape holds creamy dressing well and adds a hearty bite. Rotini, penne, or medium shells are also great substitutes.

Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives the classic crisp Caesar salad crunch, but can be replaced with iceberg or little gem. Chop it just before serving, and make sure it is completely dry to keep it fresh and crisp.

Croutons: Use store-bought croutons or easily make your own homemade croutons instead.

Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to the salad. Use leftover cooked oven bacon or bacon bits, or omit them for a lighter version.

Anchovy Paste: This adds the signature savory Caesar flavor without tasting fishy. It can be reduced or omitted, but the dressing will be milder.

Mayo and Yogurt: Mayonnaise makes the dressing creamy and helps it cling to the pasta. Greek yogurt or sour cream lightens it while keeping it tangy and rich. Use more Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise for a tangier dressing.

Chicken: Chicken breasts are optional if you’re serving this as a side dish, but they turn this pasta salad into a complete meal.

adding ingredients together for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Make the Caesar dressing first and refrigerate.

Cook the pasta until al dente, then rinse it under cold water.

Season and grill the chicken. Let it cool before chopping.

Toss the pasta, chicken, romaine, bacon, Parmesan, and croutons in a large bowl.

Add the dressing (full recipe below) and serve with lemon wedges.

Cook Al Dente: Cooking the pasta al dente helps it hold its shape after dressing.
Rinse After Cooking: Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and keep the pasta from getting mushy in the salad.
Let the Chicken Cool: Let it cool completely before adding it so the lettuce stays crisp and doesn’t wilt.
Make-Ahead Salad: If making it ahead, leave out the romaine and croutons until serving so they don’t get soggy.
Double the Dressing: This dressing is so good, I like to double it! Then save the extra for Caesar salads, wraps, or grilled chicken later in the week.