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Creamy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy creamy Caesar pasta salad using leftover rotisserie chicken, perfect for meal prep and casual gatherings. It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, crunchy Romaine, and a tangy homemade Caesar dressing for a satisfying comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle
  • 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 3/4 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional but recommended)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped capers or pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside in a colander to drain fully.
  2. If making dressing homemade: In a small bowl or food processor, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Wash and chop 2 cups Romaine lettuce and 1/2 cup celery into bite-sized pieces. Shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken, removing skin and bones.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped Romaine, celery, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and add optional chopped capers or pickles if using. Toss again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinsing pasta with cold water prevents sticking and keeps the salad from becoming mushy. Warm chicken shreds more easily. Adjust salt carefully due to anchovy paste and Parmesan. Salad keeps well up to 4 days refrigerated. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast and dairy-free mayo. For gluten-free, swap pasta accordingly. If salad feels dry after resting, stir in extra dressing or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: rotisserie chicken, Caesar pasta salad, leftover chicken recipe, creamy pasta salad, meal prep salad, easy lunch, quick dinner

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-leftover-rotisserie-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-meal-prep/