Creamy Chicken Pasta Bowl

I found this chicken caesar pasta salad combo last week when I needed to bring something to a block party that wouldn't go bad in the hot weather. It disappeared so fast, with several neighbors hunting me down for the instructions! Now it's part of my weekly lineup since it's incredibly simple and my family actually eats it without any fuss.

My high schooler, who usually avoids anything with vegetables, wolfed down TWO servings and then wondered if we could have it again tomorrow. That by itself makes this dish a total success for me!

Ingredients List

• Chicken: I prefer tenderloins since they're quicker to cook, though boneless breasts work fine too. Grabbing a rotisserie chicken is my go-to trick when I'm running behind.
• Bacon: Go for fresh strips, not the packaged bits. Those small crunchy, salty morsels really make the dish pop.
• Pasta: Pick shapes with grooves or spirals to trap more dressing. I always grab rotini, but farfalle looks prettier when company's coming.
• Romaine: Adds that needed snap. I mostly use the hearts because they stay firmer and contain less water.
• Parmesan: Pay a little more for a chunk you can shred at home. The bags of pre-grated stuff contain additives that leave a powdery aftertaste.
• Croutons: Grab the garlic butter ones! I break them slightly in my hands - not to crumbs, just into smaller chunks that work better in each bite.
• Salad Supreme Seasoning: This orange container is truly magical! Don't leave it out - it brings this amazing savory flavor that pulls everything together.
• Dressing mix: Half ranch and half caesar creates this perfect creamy, zesty blend that sticks to all the ingredients wonderfully.

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My Cooking Method

Protein Prep

I start with bacon, then use some of that leftover fat with a bit of olive oil for the chicken. It adds fantastic flavor without extra steps. Just remember to dry the chicken before adding seasoning - it'll brown much better.

Noodle Know-How

For great pasta salad, cook your pasta EXACTLY to al dente, then quickly rinse under cold water to halt cooking. I add a tiny drizzle of olive oil while it cools to keep everything from clumping together.

Smart Mixing

Here's my special trick: I combine everything EXCEPT the romaine and croutons ahead of time. This helps flavors blend without soggy bits. The lettuce and croutons go in right before eating or get packed separately for lunches.

Last Step

An extra handful of parmesan and that wonderful Salad Supreme right before serving makes everything look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen when you really didn't.

I stumbled onto the ranch/caesar mix when I ran out of caesar halfway through making this the first time. Now I purposely use both because you get the garlicky kick from caesar plus the herby smoothness from ranch.

Ways To Serve

This works great by itself as a main course, but I often add some fresh fruit on the side for a complete meal. When guests come over, I put it in my biggest wooden bowl with serving tongs and offer extra dressing on the side. It's also perfect for gatherings or outdoor meals since there's no mayo to worry about spoiling.

Customization Options

Try adding sliced cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness. Switch chicken for grilled shrimp for something different. Toss in fresh avocado chunks just before eating for extra richness. For a meatless version, use chickpeas instead of chicken and mix in cucumber and colored peppers.

Keeping It Fresh

This is one of those rare salads that's actually great for meal prepping. I put the dressed pasta/chicken/bacon/cheese mix in containers, then use small bags for the lettuce and tiny cups for the croutons. When lunchtime comes, just dump everything together, shake it up, and you've got an amazing meal that'll make your coworkers jealous.

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Expert Advice

• Don't skimp on salt in your pasta water - it's your only shot at flavoring the pasta itself
• Cut the romaine into small pieces so it's easy to eat without cutting
• The dressing gets thicker after refrigeration, so you might need to add a little more before serving leftovers

I've thrown together countless pasta salads through the years (who hasn't?), but this chicken caesar version has become my favorite standby. There's something truly satisfying about how everything works together - the tender pasta, crispy lettuce, crunchy croutons, and that rich, tangy dressing bringing it all together. It's like someone took two already amazing dishes and created something even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can leftovers be stored?

Pop everything except the lettuce and croutons into a sealable container. Add the fresh toppings just before you eat.

→ Is rotisserie chicken an option?

Totally! Rotisserie chicken saves time and works just as well.

→ What exactly is Salad Supreme?

It's a mix that includes Romano cheese, sesame and poppy seeds, paprika, and spices. Swap it with some Italian seasoning and a pinch of paprika if needed.

→ Can this be prepared early?

Sure! Get all the parts ready but keep the lettuce and croutons separate until you're serving.

→ What can be used instead of bacon?

Try turkey bacon, or crunchy roasted chickpeas if you'd like a vegetarian take.