Name: Creamy Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound of pasta, like rotini or fusilli—short noodles work best; 8 bacon slices, chopped into small pieces; 1.5 pounds chicken—breasts or tenderloins, cut into cubes; A dozen ounces of finely chopped romaine lettuce; Roughly smashed garlic croutons, about ½ cup; ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded—you’ll need extra for garnish, too; 2 tablespoons of any poultry seasoning you like (cajun or lemon pepper are good options); ⅓ cup creamy ranch dressing; A couple of tablespoons of olive oil; ½ cup of caesar salad dressing; 1 teaspoon of Salad Supreme spice mix (look for Perfect Pinch brand); 1 cup mayo; 3 tiny garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ¾ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated on the spot; A sprinkle of salt—a good ¼ teaspoon; ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked

Savory Chicken Pasta Salad | delishdocket.com

This hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has become my signature potluck dish. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned chicken, and crisp romaine creates an impressive main course salad that consistently draws recipe requests. It stays fresh and delicious even after hours at room temperature.

This versatile recipe converts even salad skeptics. The familiar pasta and chicken elements balanced with fresh romaine make it appealing to all ages and preferences.

Essential Ingredients

Chicken: Tenderloins or diced chicken breast, seasoned and sautéed. Rotisserie chicken works for convenience.
Bacon: Fresh-cooked bacon pieces add essential smoky crunch.
Pasta: Rotini or farfalle pasta - ridged shapes hold dressing well.
Romaine: Fresh hearts provide ideal crunch and structure.
Parmesan: Freshly grated from a block for best flavor.
Croutons: Garlic-seasoned, lightly crushed for ideal texture.
Salad Supreme Seasoning: Provides signature savory flavor.
Dressing: Equal parts ranch and caesar create perfect coating.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe | delishdocket.com

Preparation Method

Cooking the Proteins

Cook bacon until crisp, reserving fat. Season and cook chicken in bacon fat and olive oil until golden brown. Pat chicken dry before cooking for best browning.

Pasta Technique

Cook pasta to al dente, immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with light olive oil coating to prevent sticking during cooling.

Assembly Process

Combine all ingredients except romaine and croutons. This allows flavors to develop while maintaining optimal texture. Add lettuce and croutons just before serving.

Finishing Details

Finish with fresh parmesan shavings and Salad Supreme seasoning for professional presentation and enhanced flavor.

The dual dressing combination provides ideal flavor balance - caesar's garlic notes complement ranch's creamy herb profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a complete meal or pair with fresh fruit. Present in a large wooden bowl for gatherings. Ideal for transport to events due to stable ingredients.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness. Substitute grilled shrimp for chicken. Include diced avocado before serving. Create vegetarian version using chickpeas and extra vegetables.

Storage Guidelines

Store dressed components separately from crisp elements. Pack romaine and croutons in separate containers. Assembles quickly for premium packed lunches.

Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe | delishdocket.com

Kitchen Tips

Use well-salted pasta cooking water
Cut romaine into manageable pieces
Adjust dressing consistency for leftovers as needed

This elevated pasta salad combines the best elements of classic dishes. The interplay of textures from pasta, fresh vegetables, and proteins creates an exceptionally satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep leftovers fresh?: Store everything in a sealed container, but wait to add the romaine and croutons until you’re ready to eat so they stay fresh and crunchy.
→ Is rotisserie chicken okay?: Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver and works wonderfully here.
→ What exactly is Salad Supreme seasoning?: It’s a mix of Romano cheese, sesame and poppy seeds, and a blend of spices like paprika. If you don’t have it, use Italian seasoning and add a little paprika.
→ Can I prep this ahead of time?: Sure thing! Just keep the romaine and croutons aside until you’re ready to serve so they stay nice and crisp.
→ What’s a good bacon substitute?: Try turkey bacon for a leaner choice, or go vegetarian with roasted chickpeas for some crunch.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

A tasty spin on Caesar salad mixed with pasta, juicy chicken, bacon, and fresh greens tossed in a creamy Caesar-ranch sauce.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Protein & Pasta

01 1 pound of pasta, like rotini or fusilli—short noodles work best

02 8 bacon slices, chopped into small pieces

03 1.5 pounds chicken—breasts or tenderloins, cut into cubes

→ Vegetables & Toppings

04 A dozen ounces of finely chopped romaine lettuce

05 Roughly smashed garlic croutons, about ½ cup

06 ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded—you’ll need extra for garnish, too

→ Seasonings & Dressings

07 2 tablespoons of any poultry seasoning you like (cajun or lemon pepper are good options)

08 ⅓ cup creamy ranch dressing

09 A couple of tablespoons of olive oil

10 ½ cup of caesar salad dressing

11 1 teaspoon of Salad Supreme spice mix (look for Perfect Pinch brand)

→ Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing

12 1 cup mayo

13 3 tiny garlic cloves, finely chopped

14 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, freshly squeezed

15 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

16 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

17 ¾ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated on the spot

18 A sprinkle of salt—a good ¼ teaspoon

19 ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked

Instructions

Step 01

Generously coat your chicken chunks all over with your chosen spice mix, cajun or lemon pepper are great choices.

Step 02

Over medium-low heat, fry the diced bacon pieces until they turn crispy. Scoop them out onto a paper towel-lined plate and leave most of the grease in the pan.

Step 03

Pour some olive oil into your skillet and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Make sure the inside of the chicken hits 165°F.

Step 04

Cook your pasta in salted water as described on the box until it’s just firm. Strain and rinse it under cold water to bring down the temperature.

Step 05

In a big bowl, toss together the cooled noodles, chicken, bacon, parmesan, Salad Supreme mix, and your dressings. Stir everything really well.

Step 06

Mix in lettuce and croutons only when you’re ready to serve. Garnish with more parmesan and sprinkle some Salad Supreme on top.

Notes

Store salad parts separate—like lettuce and croutons—and mix only when eating to keep them fresh and crunchy

Perfect for packing into meal prep boxes

Feel free to replace with store-bought dressings or go with the homemade recipe

Tools You'll Need

A large skillet for bacon and chicken

A big pot to cook pasta

A colander for draining your pasta

A huge bowl for mixing everything together

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Includes dairy—parmesan and ranch dressing
Has wheat (pasta and croutons)
Eggs are in the mayo used for the caesar dressing

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 575
Total Fat: 32 g
Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
Protein: 28 g

Savory Chicken Pasta Salad