Name: Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Comfort Dish for Every Occasion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced; 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (like Cajun, lemon pepper, or your choice); 8 strips bacon, diced; 1 lb short pasta (such as rotini or fusilli); 12 oz romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping); 1/2 cup garlic butter croutons, partially crushed; 1 teaspoon salad seasoning (or to taste); 1/2 cup Caesar dressing; 1/3 cup ranch dressing; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing:; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 small garlic cloves, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Description

Enjoy a delicious Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy dressing. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (like Cajun, lemon pepper, or your choice)
8 strips bacon, diced
1 lb short pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
12 oz romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup garlic butter croutons, partially crushed
1 teaspoon salad seasoning (or to taste)
1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1/3 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 small garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Season chicken pieces generously on all sides with your desired seasoning (Cajun or lemon pepper work great).
In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook diced bacon until crispy on both sides. Once cooked, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Remove most of the bacon grease from the skillet.
Add olive oil to the same skillet and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, Parmesan cheese, salad seasoning, and dressing. Note: If you plan on storing leftovers, don’t mix in the romaine or croutons to prevent wilting and sogginess.
To serve, top the pasta salad with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of salad seasoning.
Details: This Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the crunch of croutons, all coated in a creamy dressing for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 servings
Calories: 550 kcal per serving

Keywords: #Recipe #ChickenBaconCaesarPastaSalad #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes #MealPrep #Foodie #SaladLovers