Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 (16 ounce) box mini penne pasta
• 1 pounds chopped cooked chicken
• cup diced green bell pepper
• cup grated Parmesan cheese
• cup chopped red onion
• 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• (8 ounce) bottle creamy Caesar salad dressing, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but firm to the bite, approximately 7 minutes.

Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large bowl. Stir in the chopped chicken, diced bell pepper, grated Parmesan, chopped red onion, and hard-boiled eggs.

Step 4: Pour the Caesar salad dressing over the ingredients in the bowl and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to blend and the salad to chill.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 382
• Fat: 16g
• Carbs: 34g
• Protein: 26g

Servings Per Recipe: 10

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Total Fat	16g	20%
Saturated Fat	4g	21%
Cholesterol	102mg	34%
Sodium	210mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	34g	12%
Dietary Fiber	2g	6%
Total Sugars	2g	-
Protein	26g	51%
Vitamin C	6mg	7%
Calcium	62mg	5%
Iron	2mg	13%
Potassium	245mg	5%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a modern twist on the classic Caesar salad, a beloved dish known for its rich and creamy dressing. This dish blends the satisfying flavors of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and hearty pasta, all tossed together with the iconic Caesar dressing to create a flavorful and filling salad. Its a perfect summer meal or a potluck favorite, appreciated for its simplicity and versatility.

Origin of the Dish

The Caesar salad itself was created in the 1920s by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur. He invented the salad at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, as a last-minute dish for his guests. While the original Caesar salad consisted of romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a dressing made from raw eggs, garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and lemon juice, the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a more contemporary adaptation. By adding pasta and chicken, it transforms the dish into a more substantial meal while maintaining the signature Caesar dressing that has made the original salad famous worldwide.

Regional Variations

The Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, like many recipes, varies depending on regional tastes and available ingredients. In the United States, the dish is typically made with rotisserie or grilled chicken, but in other countries, like Italy, you might find it prepared with roasted chicken or even different types of pasta, such as farfalle or fusilli. Some variations include ingredients like bacon, olives, or hard-boiled eggs, which add extra flavor and texture to the salad.

What Sets It Apart?

Compared to traditional pasta salads, the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad stands out due to its use of Caesar dressing instead of typical vinaigrettes or creamy dressings. The Caesar dressing, made with anchovies, garlic, Parmesan, and egg yolks, gives the dish a rich, umami flavor that elevates it above other pasta salads. Additionally, the inclusion of grilled or roasted chicken makes this salad a more substantial meal, whereas many pasta salads tend to be lighter and more vegetable-focused. The use of penne pasta also adds to its heartiness, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner.

Where It's Served

This dish is commonly served at summer picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Its versatility allows it to shine at both casual and more formal events, such as brunches or holiday gatherings. In restaurants, its often found as a lunch option, offering a light yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger spread. The Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad also serves as a fantastic side dish to grilled meats, complementing the smoky flavors of barbecued chicken, steaks, or burgers.

Interesting Facts

• The original Caesar salad was created without anchovies, despite the common misconception that they were part of the original recipe. The anchovies were added later by chefs who adapted the recipe.
• In the United States, the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad became a popular choice for gatherings in the 1980s and 1990s, when Caesar dressing itself rose to fame as a staple of American kitchens.
• Many variations of Caesar dressing now exist, including vegan versions, which replace the egg and cheese with plant-based alternatives while maintaining the salads signature creamy texture and savory taste.
• The addition of pasta not only makes the salad more filling, but it also increases the number of textures in each bite, offering both chewiness from the pasta and crunch from the vegetables and chicken.

FAQ about Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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