Description

A flavorful and hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining tender seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, rotini pasta, fresh romaine, and a creamy Caesar-ranch dressing. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying side dish, offering a delicious fusion of classic Caesar flavors with the convenience of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (such as cajun or lemon pepper)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Bacon

8 strips bacon, diced

Pasta and Vegetables

1 lb short pasta like rotini or fusilli
12 oz romaine lettuce, chopped

Cheese and Croutons

1/2 cup parmesan, freshly shredded (plus more for topping)
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup garlic butter croutons, partially crushed

Seasonings and Dressings

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

Instructions

Season the chicken: Liberally coat the diced chicken breasts or tenderloins on all sides with your chosen poultry seasoning like cajun or lemon pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium-low heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy on both sides. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just enough for flavor.
Cook the chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Cook the seasoned chicken over medium-low heat, about 3-4 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta (rotini or fusilli) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, parmesan cheese, salad supreme seasoning, and the combined Caesar and ranch dressings. For best texture, do not add the chopped romaine lettuce or croutons at this stage if you plan to keep leftovers, as the romaine may wilt and croutons can become soggy.
Serve and garnish: When ready to serve, toss in the romaine lettuce and garlic butter croutons, then top with extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of salad supreme seasoning to taste. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.

Notes

For leftover servings, add romaine lettuce and croutons just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the most authentic and rich flavor.
You can customize the poultry seasoning to your liking, such as Cajun, lemon pepper, or other blends.
Adjust dressings to taste, adding more Caesar or ranch if desired.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Chicken Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad, Rotini Pasta Salad, Bacon Pasta Salad, Summer Salad