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Creamy Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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A quick, easy, and satisfying summer meal combining smoky grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, penne pasta, and crisp romaine lettuce. Perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) penne pasta or rotini (whole wheat or gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2 medium heads)
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade; Cardini’s or Ken’s Steakhouse recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Croutons for crunch (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. Let them sit while you bring water to boil (about 10 minutes).
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside to cool.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, sliced grilled chicken, shredded Parmesan, and dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If you like croutons, add them now for extra crunch.
  6. Final Touches: Give the salad a final taste and add more black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a brighter flavor. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Slice chicken against the grain for tender bites. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising romaine or breaking pasta. Keep croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch. Dressing can be prepared a day ahead to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Caesar pasta salad, summer meal, easy pasta salad, creamy dressing, penne pasta, romaine lettuce, quick dinner

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/creamy-grilled-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-meal/