Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad

 

 

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

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
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course, Salad
Nutrition: (Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings)
Servings: 6
Calories: 550 kcal