Description

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a flavorful, hearty dish combining tender seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, al dente pasta, fresh romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar and ranch dressings. Topped with freshly shredded parmesan and garlic butter croutons, it’s a perfect blend of textures and classic Caesar salad flavors ideal for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Bacon

1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (such as cajun or lemon pepper)
8 strips bacon, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta and Salad

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 recommended)

Dressing

1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1/3 cup ranch dressing
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

Season the chicken: Liberally coat diced chicken pieces on all sides with your preferred poultry seasoning, such as Cajun or lemon pepper, to ensure flavorful bites.
Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy on both sides, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Discard most bacon grease from the skillet, leaving a small amount for cooking the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and cook the seasoned chicken pieces for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander, then rinse with cold water to cool down and stop the cooking process.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, shredded parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, Caesar dressing, and ranch dressing. Avoid adding romaine lettuce and croutons to the whole salad if planning leftovers as lettuce wilts and croutons become soggy over time.
Serve and garnish: When ready to serve, toss in the chopped romaine lettuce and crushed garlic butter croutons for crunch and freshness. Top the salad with extra parmesan cheese and salad supreme seasoning to brighten the flavors.

Notes

Do not add romaine lettuce and croutons to the salad if storing leftovers to maintain their texture.
Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor impact.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Partially crushing the croutons adds texture without overpowering the salad.
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Chicken Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad with Chicken, Pasta Salad with Bacon, Easy Chicken Salad