Name: 20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta (or preferred shape); 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup croutons; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Craving a flavorful, healthy dinner that’s ready in a flash? This 20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, crisp romaine, and al dente pasta in a creamy Caesar dressing for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is speedy. Perfect for lunch meal prep or a quick Abendessen Rezepte (dinner recipe), it’s a crowd-pleaser for beginners and home cooks alike. Inspired by my grandmother’s instinctive cooking, this dish proves that the best salad recipes don’t need hours just heart.

20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | Best salad recipes, Health dinner recipes, Healthy recipesingredients

alex

20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Tender shredded chicken, crisp romaine, and al dente pasta tossed in creamy Caesar dressing—with Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and a hit of lemon—come together in just 20 minutes. Serve warm or chilled for a fast, crowd-pleasing meal prep or weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Chill (optional) 30

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 495

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta (or preferred shape)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup croutons
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Equipment

large pot
colander
large mixing bowl
tongs or salad servers
measuring cups and spoons
chef’s knife
cutting board

Method

Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Toss the base: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and chopped romaine. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and lemon juice.
Add crunch: Fold in croutons and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve right away, or chill 30 minutes for a cooler salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 31gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 870mgPotassium: 510mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill 30 minutes for a cool pasta salad. Add the croutons just before serving to keep them crisp. Try rotisserie chicken for speed, swap in Greek-yogurt Caesar for a lighter option, and season to taste just before serving.

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Why You’ll Love It

Quick & Effortless
With just 20 minutes from fridge to table, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad solves busy weeknight dilemmas. No fancy techniques just toss, mix, and enjoy.

Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing
Serve it warm or chilled, as a health dinner recipe or a potluck star. Swap grilled shrimp for chicken or add cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

Ingredients

20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | Best salad recipes, Health dinner recipes, Healthy recipes 20 Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Best salad recipes Health dinner recipes Healthy recipes ingredients

8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite Resep Pasta)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)

How to Make

Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Toss the base: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and romaine. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and lemon juice.
Add crunch: Fold in croutons and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a cooler Pasta Salad Recipes experience.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (add croutons fresh to avoid sogginess).
Freezing: Not recommended due to the lettuce. Prep components separately for easy lunch meal prep.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds depth.

Is there a lighter dressing option?
Swap Caesar for Greek yogurt-based dressing equally creamy but lower in calories.

Conclusion

This 20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is your ticket to a health dinner recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, it’s a reminder that the best salad recipes start with simplicity and end with joy. Ready to cook something unforgettable? Grab your ingredients and let’s get tossing!