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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz. uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
• 2 hearts of Romaine
• Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
• Croutons (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
   Grab a medium-sized bowl and bring together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste. Whisk them until they blend into one harmonious dressing. It should look creamy and smooth, with a tang that hits just the right note.

2. Step 2: Add the Parmesan
   Fold the grated Parmesan cheese into your dressing, giving it a good stir. Toss in a quarter teaspoon of pepper to spice things up. Now, set this delightful concoction aside as it waits to meet the rest of the salad ensemble.

3. Step 3: Cook the Pasta
   Fill a large pot with water, sprinkle in some salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once bubbling, introduce your pasta—whether it’s rotini or penne—and let it cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a spacious serving bowl where it can cool off slightly.

4. Step 4: Prepare the Romaine and Chicken
   While your pasta is cooling, chop the Romaine hearts into delightful 1-inch pieces. In the same bowl as your pasta, combine these with shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts. This is where the salad starts to take shape, bringing in those fresh, crunchy textures.

5. Step 5: Mix in the Dressing
   Pour the prepared dressing over your pasta and Romaine mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together until each piece is lovingly coated in that creamy dressing. This step is where all the flavors come together in a delicious harmony.

6. Step 6: Add the Final Touches
   Now for the fun part—sprinkle on some croutons if you like that extra crunch, and don’t be shy with a little extra Parmesan cheese on top. These finishing touches add a delightful contrast in texture and richness to the salad.

7. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
   Your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is ready to serve immediately. If you're not diving in right away, pop it in the fridge, covered, until it’s time to eat. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Notes

One common hiccup in crafting this delightful dish is overlooking the importance of seasoning. It's easy to forget to salt your pasta water, but a pinch goes a long way in boosting flavor. Think of it like giving your pasta a spa day—it deserves to soak up some goodness too!

Another little speed bump? Overcooking the pasta. Keep an eye on it and remember: al dente is your friend. It should still have a bite to it—mushy pasta is a sad pasta!

Finally, don't skimp on the dressing. Some worry about overpowering their salad, but this creamy concoction is the heart and soul of the dish. Toss it generously, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated and bursting with flavor.

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Dish, Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad with Chicken and Caesar Dressing, Chicken Caesar Pasta Bowl, Caesar Salad with Pasta and Chicken.