Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Croutons

Easy and refreshing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe that goes together in no time. Serve it as a main course or side salad! 

chicken caesar pasta salad ingredients

When we’re trying to think of simple dinner ideas, it’s easy to forget about main dish salads. A main dish salad can be light, yet filling at the same time. That’s why I like this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe so much. The pasta makes it hearty and filling, and the other ingredients are fresh and light. Combine it all together, and you have a delicious and simple dinner for your family. 

chicken caesar pasta salad recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Tips

  • Any kind of chicken can be used. I baked some chicken breast tenders for this post, but I’ve also used rotisserie chicken. This is a great meal idea if you have leftover chicken you want to use up.
  • Since I spent some extra time to make homemade croutons, I took a short cut on the dressing, and used this bottled Caesar dressing
  • Use whatever Parmesan cheese you have on hand. The all-time best taste comes from freshly shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. However, I had a tub of shredded Parmesan in our refrigerator, so that’s what I used.
  • The homemade croutons are like the icing on a cake. They take the taste level up several notches, but of course, any type of store bought croutons can be used. 

Click for the Homemade Croutons Recipe!

homemade croutons on wood cutting board

Make Ahead Tip

Prepare the pasta, chicken, and lettuce up to a day in advance. Place them in a large bowl, but DO NOT MIX THEM. Place them in sections, like on the cutting board pictured above. Cover and store in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, add the Parmesan cheese and dressing. Toss well, and top with croutons. 

chicken caesar pasta salad with homemade croutons

chicken caesar pasta salad recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Easy and refreshing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe that goes together in no time. Serve it as a main course or side salad! 
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.91 from 21 votes
Servings: 3 main dish servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups penne pasta (measure before cooking)
  • 2 hearts romaine lettuce
  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups chicken breast pieces
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup Caesar dressing
  • homemade croutons

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water.
  • Wash and chop two heads of romaine lettuce, and place in a large bowl.
  • Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces. Add to bowl with lettuce.
  • Add the slightly cooled pasta and dressing.
  • Toss to combine well.
  • Top with parmesan cheese and toss again.
  • Chill in refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Serve with homemade croutons.
Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

**If you make this recipe, I would love for you to leave a 5 star review in the comments below. If you share on Instagram or Facebook, make sure to tag @onsuttonplace so I can see what you’re making!

chicken caesar pasta salad in pyrex bowl

More Easy Salad Recipes

charcuterie board subscribe box

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




79 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My husband and I both loved this salad.

  2. Delish, one of my favorite salads, gonna try this one also! ❤️❤️

  3. 5 stars
    Love, love, love Caesar Salad! This recipe is spot on. I use my not-so-perfect sourdough loaves for the bread and the rest of the ingredients in the recipe. Turns out great.

  4. Patricia S says:

    What a great idea, going to have to try this over the summer.

  5. Denise Fiorentino says:

    This looks so scrumptious. Another wonderful yummy recipe to try!

  6. Gail Prowant says:

    Thanks! I am going to try this recipe.

  7. Yummy yummy, can’t wait to try this!

  8. Janet Smith says:

    5 stars
    It’s awesome when someone else family favorite becomes your family favorite too. Thanks for the ideas!

  9. Lisa Fleming says:

    5 stars
    Made this the other night and my family loved it!! There was not a single bite left!!

  10. Tina Austin says:

    My hubby works at night and I during the day. I prepared this amazing meal for him to eat when he got home that morning, he called me at work asking me to make it again. I don’t eat cheese so I could not taste it. But by his response, it’s a winner for me.Thank you for another meal for my rotation.

  11. Lu Leader says:

    5 stars
    So simple and great for summer! Our Pacific Northwest summer is finally here, so we’ll have this tomorrow. Yum! Thanks for sharing.

  12. Looks yummy! If only I could get my hubby to like pasta salad!

  13. Sharron Lynn says:

    Immediately added this to my summer recipes. A hot humid summer day calls for a cool refreshing light dinner. YUMMY!

  14. Yummy! Having this for our Saturday supper tonight!

  15. Amy Brizendine says:

    5 stars
    I made this for my family and everyone loved it. Thanks for the recipe.

  16. So many delicious recipes to choose from. Thanks for all your sharing.

  17. Caesar salad with grilled chicken is my summer go to recipe. I never thought about adding pasta. I’m anxious to try it!

  18. Sue Alverson says:

    I am going to make this for a ladies luncheon. Thank you for the idea!

  19. Looks delicious…is on the menu for next week. I think hubby might even like this and he isn’t a big salad guy. Peace.

  20. The great of the summer is here! A fresh pasta salad is exactly what is needed. Thank you!

  21. Looks like I have a new recipe for dinner one night next week! Can’t wait to try it.

  22. Rose Anne says:

    This looks like a simple to make and delicious recipe! Perfect.

  23. Peggy Wilson says:

    The salad looks great. Got to try it!

  24. Looks delicious…perfect for these hot summer days!

  25. Sharon Ganne❤️ says:

    We experience very hot summers here in Fresno, CA and I’m always happy when I find an easy-to-make and very tasty salad recipe such as this one. It is refreshing and one I will definitely make again and again.

  26. This looks so yummy!! Thank you for sharing ~ I will be pinning this for sure!!

  27. Nevin Hartman says:

    Love this salad! I also like to make my own croutons from leftover breads. I don’t waste anything!

  28. Lynn Burnett says:

    Looking forward to trying this recipe. On these hot, steamy summer days I only want something cold to eat and pastas always hit the spot.

  29. Summer salad ideas…very much appreciated! Can’t wait to try. Thank you!

  30. Judy M Johnson says:

    This looks delicious, I will definitely give it a try.

  31. Always looking for fun salads for summer. Can’t wait to make this! Thanks!

  32. I love a good Caesar salad. Thanks for sharing.

  33. This looks yummy! I would’ve never thought to add noodles in with my Caesar salad. I’m excited to try it!

  34. Definitely going to make this… I have a rotisserie chicken from costco I need to use.

    Thank you!

  35. Looks delicious, quick & easy, and Summery!

  36. Terri Euerle says:

    I can’t wait to try this, love anything caesar. Think I will be making this for camping this weekend.

  37. Everything about this recipe says YUM!! – think I’ll try it for a dinner party soon – Thank you for sharing

  38. Sounds like the perfect summer dinner! Will definitely give it a try when I have some leftover rotisserie chicken.

  39. I love anything ‘chicken salad’ and this looks so refreshing and easy to make. Thank you for sharing it with us and will let you know the family’s review ;-)

  40. MelissaFrances says:

    Omg delicious!! Thanks for sharing!

  41. Christine says:

    Will have to try this one!

  42. Can you ever go wrong with a Caesar salad?! Perfect side dish year round!

    1. Margie Angell says:

      5 stars
      What a great looking summer time salad!

  43. Kimberly Dickerson says:

    We’ve got a week of heat warnings so I’m planning on making this for dinner tomorrow. Rotisserie chicken for the win!

  44. Having house guests this weekend so the recipe came just in time!

  45. This recipe sounds perfect for a cool meal on a hot summer evening. Thank you for sharing!

  46. Will have to try this for my daughter. She loves a good Caesar salad and what’s better than a twist for surprise?!

  47. Suzy mooney says:

    Recipe proves that there is more to Caesar than just veggies!

  48. Can’t wait to try this recipe. We are big Caesar Salad lovers. Great way to make it into a light summer meal!

  49. Ceci Maddock says:

    My son’s favorite salad!!

  50. Donna Benton says:

    My summer go-to

  51. 5 stars
    Quick and easy, my style of cooking these days. Lie the idea of making it ahead and toss it together before serving..

  52. My dad used to make the best croutons. I’m going to have to try these. Thanks for sharing!

  53. GOING TO USE WHITE BEANS INSTEAD OF THE CHICKEN….YUMMY!!

  54. A Caesar salad is my hubs favorite and I love pasta. A win win recipe!

  55. 5 stars
    Ann, I can’t wait to make this! For years, Leo couldn’t eat chicken due to a food allergy. But happily, he is able to eat chicken now. So I’m always looking for chicken recipes!

  56. Becky Kerwin says:

    Another must try recipe! And I love making my own croutons when I can, there’s just something about them that tastes so much better!!

  57. Tammy K. Watson says:

    Wow!! That is a really easy recipe, one that I want to try!!! Thank you!!

  58. 5 stars
    Caesar is my fav! ❤️❤️❤️

  59. Terri Herman says:

    Thanks! On the menu for next week! Salads are a must when it’s hot here in the South.

  60. Can’t wait to try this summer-y salad!!

  61. Thanks Ann,
    Chicken Ceasar Salad is always my go to salad! Put I really like the addition of pasta to make the meal a little more filling. And the homemade croutons,mmm!
    Thank you,
    Carol

  62. Deborah Peters says:

    I love this recipe. I will probably cut the pasta in half to follow my diet, but that won’t be a huge revision. :)

  63. Melissa Bonser says:

    5 stars
    This salad is fabulous, my whole family loves it!! The pasta is a great touch, this is asked for repeated ly.
    Thank you so much, Anne!!

  64. Mary Hendley says:

    5 stars
    Delicious and simple to make. My sister get together will love it 🥰

  65. Kathy oetjens says:

    5 stars
    I will definitely try this recipe. Could you please tell us which dressing you use? The link doesn’t specify. Thank you!

  66. 5 stars
    I served this salad tonight when I hosted our monthly book club. It was a huge hit! This will definitely be on the menu for future events.

  67. Tracey Hokanson says:

    I have been searching for a good bottled Caesar dressing ……can you tell me which one you use? The link in your text takes me to Walmart and just says “oops” so I don’t know what you’re recommending! I have thrown out so many bottles of dressing trying to find one I like.
    Thanks so much for your help. Love your blog and always look forward to new content.
    Tracey

  68. Kathryn Anthony says:

    5 stars
    I made this chicken pasta Caesar salad for dinner last evening.
    It was the perfect blend ôf ingredients with the addition of the pasta. We also had a toasted English muffin on the side. Divine!

  69. Ann, made this tonight and my husband said to add it to the regular rotation. Delicious! Thank you!

  70. Looks delicious and one of my all time favs when we eat out. That reminds me to give this dish a go in the near future. Tfs

  71. I love Caesar salads. I recently tried a Caesar pasta salad at one of my favorite restaurant before all the mayhem started and I loved it. Now I can make it at home. Thanks so much. Can not wait to try this. Your posts are one of the highlights of my days. It has been uplifting in this unsettling time. Thanks so much!

  72. Linda Greene says:

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for the salad recipe. I made the croutons using your recipe. It is delicious!!! I love a simple and delicious one dish meal.
    Thank you for sharing.

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Yay! Thank you so much for the 5 Star rating. I am so glad you liked the recipes!

  73. Looks yummy.I am making a similar pasta salad with artichoke hearts, olives & roasted peppers to go along with Easter dinner, keeping it simple.Happy Easter to you & your family.

  74. Chicken Caesar salad is my favorite and doesn’t like pasta! I have the lettuce and some chopped chicken. I need to run to store for a few things and hope to find bottled dressing and the rolls.
    Thanks you, Ann!

  75. Good Morning Ann,
    The croutons got me going! I think you just planned our dinner. Thanks as always. I really am writing to send a friendship hello. One thing about this darn quarantine is that we have time to tell our friends things we often think but don’t take time to write. I very much appreciate your friendship across the miles and often turn to your posts more than anyone else’s for inspiration. I’ve said before that our homes and taste are similar so you are my “mentor.” Thank you yet again.

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Hi Nancy…thank you so much for taking the time to write this. Your timing is excellent, because I really needed some encouragement! Stay safe and well, Ann