Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful meal combining perfectly seasoned pan-seared chicken with al dente rotini pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing. A delicious and satisfying salad perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups croutons
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Dressing:
- 1 cup Ken’s Creamy Caesar Dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thinner fillets, ensuring even cooking. In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning spices together. Pat the chicken fillets dry with paper towels, lightly coat both sides with avocado oil, then evenly season them using the spice blend.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter along with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken fillets. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is nicely blackened and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and transfer to a large serving bowl. Toss the pasta with a little avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and half of the Caesar dressing to the pasta. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate the pasta salad and keep the remaining dressing chilled until ready to serve (best consumed the same day).
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, add the chopped romaine lettuce and croutons to the pasta mixture. Toss everything together with the remaining Caesar dressing. Sprinkle freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy your fresh, flavorful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
Notes
- Make sure to rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Rinsing pasta under cold water helps to cool it quickly and prevents sticking.
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- This salad is best eaten the same day to ensure freshness and crispness.
- You can substitute the romaine with kale or spinach for a different twist.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your preference, especially the optional red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
