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To create a truly memorable Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, it's essential to understand the ingredients that contribute to its flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to ensure that the dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Let's take a closer look at the primary ingredients that make this salad a standout.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Discover the mouthwatering delight of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, a delicious fusion of Caesar salad and pasta. This creamy, flavorful dish features tender penne pasta, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and crisp romaine, all tossed in a rich Caesar dressing. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners, this versatile recipe is easy to prepare and promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Elevate your meal with this satisfying, beautiful salad that’s packed with flavor.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) grilled chicken breast, diced

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup crispy bacon bits

1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente (usually about 11-13 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside to drain completely.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, drizzle the diced grilled chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the chicken to ensure it's evenly coated with the seasoning. Cut the seasoned chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

      Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon bits.

        Add the Dressing: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Using a pair of tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well coated with the dressing, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

          Chill: For optimal flavor, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken Caesar pasta salad for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the ingredients to meld and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

            Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Garnish the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Serve this delightful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad as a satisfying main course or a hearty side dish!

              Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4-6