Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, crisp Romaine, and al dente pasta tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. Finished with savory garlic breadcrumbs and Parmesan, it’s a satisfying and flavorful salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
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Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound uncooked pasta
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3 Romaine lettuce hearts (about 12 ounces), roughly chopped
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1 1/2 cups Caesar dressing
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Parmesan cheese, for topping
Garlic Breadcrumbs:
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1 tablespoon butter
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2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
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1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
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Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice into strips.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to combine.
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To make garlic breadcrumbs: melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle garlic breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese over the salad before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan. You can substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Make garlic breadcrumbs ahead and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American