This Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish, combining tender seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta with the fresh crunch of romaine lettuce and croutons. Tossed in a creamy blend of Caesar and ranch dressing, it delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture—perfect for a hearty lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
• 2 tbsp poultry seasoning (Cajun, lemon pepper, or your preferred blend)
• 8 strips bacon, diced
• 1 lb short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
• 12 oz romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ cup garlic butter croutons, partially crushed
• 1 tsp salad seasoning (or to taste)
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ⅓ cup ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 small garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken & Bacon
2. Generously season the diced chicken with Cajun or lemon pepper seasoning.
3. In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove excess bacon grease from the pan.
4. Add olive oil to the same skillet and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F). Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Cook the Pasta
6. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
7. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
8. Assemble the Salad
9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, shredded Parmesan, and salad seasoning.
10. Pour in the Caesar and ranch dressing, tossing everything until evenly coated.
11. Serve & Garnish
12. Just before serving, add romaine lettuce and crushed croutons (to prevent sogginess).
13. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of salad seasoning.

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Tips & Notes

• Meal Prep Tip: If storing leftovers, keep the lettuce and croutons separate to maintain freshness.
• Dressing Variation: You can substitute store-bought dressing with homemade Caesar dressing for a fresher, richer taste.
• Extra Flavor: Try adding cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, or avocado for an extra twist.

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Serving & Storage

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad is a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that balances richness and freshness in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you love Chicken Salad check this: How to Make the Perfect Chicken Salad at Home