Name: Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta - cooked to al dente; 2 cups cooked chicken - shredded or chopped; 6 cups Romaine lettuce - chopped; 2 cups croutons; 1 cup Parmesan cheese - freshly shredded or grated; 1 cup Caesar salad dressing - homemade or store-bought

If you’re craving a fresh twist on classic Caesar salad, this Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It mixes tender penne, juicy chicken, crisp Romaine, and that irresistible creamy Caesar dressing into one delightful bowl!

A white bowl with a brown rim holds a mix of food with several layers: light yellow pasta tubes scattered throughout the base, medium green crispy lettuce pieces mixed in, light brown cooked chicken cubes spread around, light golden brown croutons, and thin pale yellow slices of cheese on top. The whole mix has creamy bits that lightly coat the ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad more times than I can count—it’s that perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory that always hits the spot whether for lunch or a light dinner.

Simple to make: Just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect texture: Al dente penne pairs beautifully with crisp Romaine and crunchy croutons.
Versatile protein: Using cooked chicken adds hearty flavor and satisfying protein without fuss.
Great for meal prep: Makes a flavorful packed lunch or quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a little about the stars of the show. Opt for good-quality Romaine for the best crunch, and don’t skip rinsing your pasta under cool water—it keeps everything fresh and prevents mushiness.

Flat lay of cooked penne pasta, shredded cooked chicken, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of creamy Caesar dressing, chopped Romaine lettuce, and golden crunchy croutons arranged in perfect symmetry in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, all fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Penne pasta: Holds the dressing well thanks to its ridged shape and tube form.
Cooked chicken: A great way to add lean protein that’s already prepped and ready to go.
Romaine lettuce: Offers crispness and freshness that balances the creamy dressing.
Croutons: Give the salad an enjoyable crunch and texture contrast.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth that Caesar salad just can’t do without.
Caesar salad dressing: The creamy binder that ties all these ingredients together seamlessly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts of this Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like it classic or want to add a fresh twist, you can tailor this salad to fit your taste and occasion perfectly.

Variation: For a protein-packed boost, try swapping out the cooked chicken for grilled shrimp or even chickpeas if you want a vegetarian option. I’ve found that adding a handful of cherry tomatoes gives a juicy pop that balances the creamy dressing beautifully.
Lighter option: Use a low-fat or Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing to keep the creaminess while cutting back on calories—perfect if you're watching your diet but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Extra crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds work wonderfully instead of croutons for a nutty crunch that adds a new layer of texture and richness.
Seasonal twist: In warmer months, adding cucumber slices or fresh herbs like basil and parsley can brighten the salad, making it feel even fresher and more vibrant on your plate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a pasta salad showing three main layers: at the bottom, creamy sauce coats the light yellow penne pasta pieces; above that, bright green lettuce leaves are scattered throughout; on top, there are chunks of light brown bread pieces and thin off-white cheese shavings. A silver fork rests on the right side inside the bowl with some lettuce on its prongs, and the bowl is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook until it’s just shy of tender—about 2 minutes less than the package suggests, usually around 8-10 minutes depending on your brand. This ensures that when tossed with dressing, the pasta doesn’t get mushy. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water immediately to stop the cooking. Set it aside to cool completely while you prepare the other ingredients. Cool pasta keeps your salad fresh and prevents it from turning into a sticky mess.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Use 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. I like to use leftover rotisserie chicken because it's flavorful and saves time, but you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Just make sure it's cooled before adding it to the salad so it doesn’t wilt your lettuce or overheat the pasta.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled penne pasta, chicken, 6 cups of chopped Romaine lettuce, and 2 cups of crunchy croutons. Pour in 1 cup of Caesar salad dressing—homemade or store-bought both work beautifully—and gently toss everything together. The key here is to coat all the ingredients evenly without smashing the lettuce or breaking the pasta. Use a big spoon or salad tongs and fold gently for the best texture.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Serve Immediately

Sprinkle 1 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese over the tossed salad and give it one last gentle mix. This final touch adds that irresistibly savory kick that ties everything together. Serve your Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad right away to keep the Romaine crisp and the croutons crunchy—waiting too long can lead to sogginess, which we definitely want to avoid!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect balance of textures and flavors in this Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe really elevates the dish. These tips come straight from experience to help you make it just right every time.

Cool Your Pasta Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that mixing warm pasta with the dressing can make everything soggy. Rinse and chill the penne completely before tossing to keep that delightful bite.
Add Lettuce and Croutons Last Minute: To maintain their crunch, add the Romaine lettuce and croutons just before serving. It keeps every forkful fresh and crisp.
Keeps It Light with Dressing: Gently fold in the Caesar dressing to coat each ingredient without overwhelming them—this stops the salad from becoming heavy or greasy.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: When short on time, I use rotisserie chicken—it's flavorful and shredded easily, making prep so much faster without sacrificing taste.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

A white bowl with a wooden rim contains a layered dish with three main sections. The bottom layer is short tube pasta in a pale yellow color, filling the base of the bowl. On one side, there are large, thin slices of light yellow cheese that look soft and slightly curled. On the other side, there are small pieces of browned grilled chicken with a slightly crispy texture. Creamy white sauce with black pepper specks covers part of the chicken and pasta, spreading in the center of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper and a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese right on top. If you like a pop of color and freshness, add a few halved cherry tomatoes or thin cucumber slices for contrast. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also give a subtle sheen and boost richness.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own as a light meal but pairs beautifully with warm garlic bread or crispy baked potato wedges. For a heartier spread, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a simple soup like tomato basil. It’s also fantastic with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade if you’re keeping things refreshing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the salad contains fresh lettuce and croutons, it’s best eaten within 24 hours to retain maximum freshness and crunch. Beyond that, the lettuce tends to wilt and croutons get soggy.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing, mainly due to the lettuce and dressing. The texture and creaminess will suffer once thawed, so I recommend preparing fresh or using leftovers within a day instead.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the chicken and pasta warm, separate those components before storing. Reheat the chicken and pasta in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through, then toss with fresh lettuce, croutons, dressing, and Parmesan just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta shape for this salad?

Absolutely! While penne pasta is recommended for its sturdy shape, you can substitute with fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook until al dente and cool completely before mixing.

Is it okay to use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, store-bought Caesar dressings work well and save time. However, if you want that authentic, fresh taste, homemade dressing adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

How long does this salad keep its freshness?

For best taste and texture, consume the salad within 24 hours when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. After that, the Romaine and croutons start to lose their crispness.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

You can! Simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or chickpeas for protein. Just remember the dressing typically contains anchovies, so check the label or use a vegetarian Caesar dressing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about this Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe—the creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crisp veggies all come together beautifully. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it as a light dinner, it’s easy, delicious, and comforting. I hope these tips help you enjoy it at its best and inspire you to make it a new favorite in your recipe collection!