Description
A satisfying fusion of al dente rotini pasta and crisp Caesar salad elements, featuring grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and a bright homemade dressing. Perfect for lunches or dinners, this recipe balances creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors while avoiding sogginess. Serves 4 in 35 minutes total.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini or penne pasta, cooled
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 large grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
2 cups croutons
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought without anchovies)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente (approx. 10 minutes), drain, and cool completely.
Chop romaine lettuce and dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, whisk Caesar dressing with lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
Toss cooled pasta with dressing until evenly coated.
Add romaine, croutons, and chicken to the pasta.
Fold in Parmesan cheese and toss gently to combine.
Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cooling the pasta is crucial to prevent wilted lettuce
Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions
Add cherry tomatoes for extra freshness
Lemon zest enhances brightness without acidity overload
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Cozy Chicken & Pasta Dinner Recipes
- Method: Grilling and Tossing
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 45mg