This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a simple dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Romaine lettuce, fresh pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese are tossed in a creamy caesar dressing that’s full of flavor. Light, yet filling, this easy dish makes a delicious weeknight meal!

bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad next to blue tea towel

Not only are we into the first week of July already, but it’s also 30-minute Thursday! I think it’s safe to say that this is my favorite Thursday of every month. I mean, delicious, hearty and filling meals that are ready in just 30 minutes? Sign me up!

Since the weather is warm and I’m trying to soak up all of that daylight, easy, fresh meals are the name of my game. And nothing screams summer more than a light salad. Specifically, one that takes just minutes to prepare and is full of flavor. Am I right?

Caesar salads just happen to be a favorite of mine. It’s no secret that I love a variety of salads and could pretty much eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From this BLT Ranch Pasta Salad, to that Zesty Chicken Salad, this Quinoa Caprese Salad and that Roasted Garlic Green Bean Salad, I love ’em all.

So when I was dreaming of my next salad creation, it occurred to me that I haven’t shared a caesar salad with you. My mind kicked into overdrive and I had a brilliant idea to make this chicken caesar pasta salad, which is light, fresh and also perfect for 30 minute Thursday!

overhead view of a large bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad

If you love caesar salads as much as I do, then you’ll enjoy this tasty spin on the classic dish. This chicken caesar pasta salad is a simple dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

Romaine lettuce, fresh pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese are tossed in a creamy caesar dressing that’s full of flavor. Light, yet filling, this easy dish makes a delicious weeknight meal!

If you haven’t tried pasta in your caesar salad yet, then you’re totally missing out. There’s just something about the crunch of the lettuce and the heartiness from the pasta that makes this salad extraordinary.

And the dressing, man oh man, do I love caesar dressing! I used a store-bought kind, but feel free to use a homemade version if you’d rather do so. Throw in some grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, and you have a fresh dish that’s easy to make during a busy weeknight.

And did I mention how easy this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is to prepare! So easy, guys! It’s almost a one bowl dish, minus the pasta part. And that’s why this fresh salad gets five gold stars in my book.

So if you’re on the hunt for that perfect summer salad that also doubles as a quick meal, then this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad was made for you!

overhead view of a bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad

What’s in Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad? 

This pasta salad with caesar dressing comes together with minimal ingredients: 

  • Rotini pasta
  • Chopped Romaine lettuce
  • Cooked chicken breasts
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Shredded Parmesan
  • Caesar salad dressing
  • Black pepper
  • Croutons 

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

If your chicken is already cooked through, this chicken caesar pasta salad will come together in under 30 minutes! 

  1. Cook the pasta until al dente. 
  2. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cooked chicken, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and pasta.
  3. Toss with dressing, black pepper, Parmesan, and croutons. 

Can I Make Pasta Salad in Advance? 

Definitely! This chicken caesar pasta salad is perfect for barbecues and summer get-togethers. Simply make everything ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until you’re just about ready to serve the salad. That way, the lettuce will stay fresh and not wilt as fast.

large bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad garnished with parmesan

Tips for Making Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This recipe works really well with chicken breasts you’ve meal prepped at the start of the week. I bet you could also shred part of a rotisserie chicken as well and use that instead. 

I prefer cherry tomatoes in this pasta salad with caesar dressing since they’re super sweet and juicy, but really any tomato will work. 

I like to load up my chicken caesar pasta salad with freshly ground black pepper, but add as much or as little as you’d like! 

Looking for more pasta salad ideas? I’ve got you covered!

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a simple dish that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Romaine lettuce, fresh pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese are tossed in a creamy caesar dressing that's full of flavor. Light, yet filling, this easy dish makes a delicious weeknight meal!

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a simple dish that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Romaine lettuce, fresh pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese are tossed in a creamy caesar dressing that's full of flavor. Light, yet filling, this easy dish makes a delicious weeknight meal!

Ingredients
 

  • 8 ounces dry rotini pasta, (or any other kind that you prefer)
  • 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
  • 2 medium chicken breasts, , cooked and diced into small pieces
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, , halved
  • ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup Caesar salad dressing, , any kind
  • Black pepper, , to taste
  • 1 cup croutons

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse in cold water. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add the lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and pasta.
  • Toss with dressing. Add black pepper (if desired), croutons, and more Parmesan cheese, if necessary.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

This salad can be prepared ahead of time, if needed. Simply make salad as instructed, but add the dressing right before serving.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 472kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 58mg, Sodium: 758mg, Potassium: 386mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 353IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 116mg, Iron: 2mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.