Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
From Zero to Hero: Quick and Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that will impress your family.
Tantalize your taste buds with our Quick and Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. This quick and easy recipe combines tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. Topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons for a satisfying crunch, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a refreshing meal that's ready in no time.
Servings6 people
TEMP180°C or 360°F
Per Serving
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Avocado oil as an alternative to olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 head of romaine lettuce chopped (an alternative to cos lettuce)
- 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing you can make your own or use a store-bought version
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups whole grain croutons for a healthier option
- 500 g whole wheat penne pasta
- 50 g grated pecorino Romano cheese or parmesan cheese
- Fresh chives chopped, for garnish
- Cherry Tomatoes Optional
- Croutons Optional
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole wheat penne pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Set aside the cooked pasta.
Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Rub the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a bit of avocado oil to coat them.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika on each breast.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking tray.
- Roast the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce with the creamy Caesar dressing.
- Add the thinly sliced red onion, whole grain croutons, sliced roasted chicken, and cooked whole wheat penne pasta to the bowl.
- Toss all the ingredients together until they are well mixed and coated with the dressing.
Serve
- Portion the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad onto individual plates or into serving bowls.
- Sprinkle grated pecorino Romano cheese or fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of each serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives.