Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced

2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (like cajun, lemon pepper, etc.)

8 strips bacon, diced

1 lb short pasta like rotini or fusilli

12 oz romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup parmesan, freshly shredded (plus more for topping)

1/2 cup garlic butter croutons, partially crushed

1 teaspoon salad supreme seasoning, or to taste (Perfect Pinch brand)

1/2 cup Caesar dressing

1/3 cup ranch dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

3 small garlic cloves, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Season the diced chicken pieces liberally on all sides with your choice of poultry seasoning, such as cajun or lemon pepper.

Step 2: In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy on both sides. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, then discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, bacon, shredded parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, Caesar dressing, and ranch dressing. Gently toss to combine.

Step 6: If you’re serving immediately, add the chopped romaine lettuce and partially crushed garlic butter croutons to the entire bowl for added crunch and freshness. For leftovers, add them just before serving to prevent wilting and sogginess.

Step 7: To serve, sprinkle extra parmesan and a pinch of salad supreme seasoning on top for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika or chipotle seasoning on the chicken instead of cajun or lemon pepper.

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version and skip cooking the chicken yourself.

Swap croutons for toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and bacon, and add grilled vegetables or chickpeas instead.

Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra brightness.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the romaine crisp and croutons crunchy, store them separately and mix them in just before serving. Reheat the chicken portion gently if you prefer warm chicken in the salad, or enjoy it cold for convenience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni work well in this salad because they hold the dressing nicely and combine easily with the other ingredients.

Is it necessary to rinse the pasta with cold water?

Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down, preventing it from becoming mushy in the salad. It also helps the pasta hold its shape when combined with the dressing.