Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, al dente pasta, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all tossed in a rich Caesar dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick lunch. Serve it warm or cold for a delicious twist on a classic Caesar salad.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked shredded chicken)
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup croutons (optional, for crunch)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp mayonnaise (for extra creaminess)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
3. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil.
3. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
1. In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy (about 5 minutes).
2. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
3. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes & Tips
Make It Lighter: Use whole wheat pasta and a lighter Caesar dressing.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store dressing separately and mix before serving.
Extra Flavor: Marinate chicken in a little Caesar dressing before cooking.
Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken and bacon for grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add the lettuce and dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.
Q: What pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds the dressing well.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 550
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
This Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!