Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs (Print version)

A crisp, creamy chicken Caesar pasta salad with juicy chicken, romaine, parmesan, and golden garlic breadcrumbs.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken and pasta

01 - 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 12 oz (340 g) farfalle, rotini, or penne pasta

For the garlic breadcrumbs

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 3/4 cup (45 g) panko breadcrumbs
09 - 2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese

For the salad

10 - 3 romaine hearts, chopped, about 10-12 oz (285-340 g)
11 - 1 cup (240 ml) Caesar dressing, plus more as needed
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 - 3/4 cup (65 g) shaved or grated parmesan cheese
14 - Extra black pepper, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the panko, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Cook for 2-4 minutes, stirring often, until golden. Stir in the grated parmesan and spread on a plate to cool.
02 - Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and the center reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-size strips.
03 - Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool, then shake off excess water well.
04 - In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, and most of the shaved parmesan. Toss gently until evenly coated.
05 - Taste and adjust with more dressing, lemon juice, salt, or pepper. Top with the garlic breadcrumbs and remaining parmesan just before serving.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after the romaine and breadcrumbs are added.
02 - For meal prep, store breadcrumbs and romaine separately from the dressed pasta and chicken.

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