Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: A Copycat Recipe

Do you adore Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and wish you could make it at home? Now you can! This recipe brings that restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Imagine crispy romaine, perfectly tender chicken, and a creamy Caesar dressing, all tossed with pasta. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that tastes incredibly fresh. With juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and shaved Parmesan, this dish is truly a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

You’ll quickly fall in love with this homemade version of the classic Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation.

• Quick & Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and simple cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Authentic Copycat: Recreate the exact restaurant taste you crave with our specific ingredient recommendations. Your family and friends will think you picked it up from Cheddar’s.
• Budget-Friendly: Save a significant amount of money by making this hearty salad at home instead of dining out. Enjoy restaurant quality for a fraction of the cost.
• Versatile Meal: It’s ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or as a show-stopping dish at your next potluck. This salad adapts perfectly to any mealtime.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Crisp romaine, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich Caesar dressing combine for an explosion of taste. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Make it your own with simple swaps and additions.

Ingredients for Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Creating this delicious Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your kitchen.

• 1/2 lb penne pasta: This sturdy pasta shape holds up well to the dressing and other ingredients. Cook it to al dente for the best texture.
• 2 6 oz chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are easy to prepare and cook quickly.
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a bright, zesty, and peppery kick to the chicken.
• 1 large head romaine lettuce: Roughly chopped, it provides that essential crisp and refreshing base.
• 1/2 cup Marzetti Supreme Caesar Dressing: This specific dressing is the secret to replicating Cheddar’s signature flavor.
• 1/2 cup large croutons: Essential for adding a delightful crunch and texture to the salad.
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese + 2 tbsp (for garnish): Offers a salty, nutty finish and visual appeal.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this chicken Caesar pasta salad to suit your pantry or preferences.

• Pasta: Feel free to swap penne for other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or bowtie pasta.
• Chicken: For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred and add it to the salad.
• Dressing: If Marzetti Supreme isn’t available, substitute with your favorite store-bought creamy Caesar dressing or a homemade version.
• Seasoning: Enhance the chicken’s flavor by adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder alongside the lemon pepper.
• Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and color by including halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onion.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese works perfectly fine if you don’t have shaved Parmesan on hand.
• Croutons: For extra freshness, make your own croutons from day-old bread.

Equipment

You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to prepare this amazing cheddars chicken caesar pasta salad. Here’s the basic equipment that will make the process smooth and easy.

• Large pot: Essential for boiling your pasta to perfection.
• Air fryer: Our preferred method for quick and evenly cooked chicken.
• Large mixing bowl: You’ll need plenty of space to toss all the salad ingredients.
• Tongs: Ideal for thoroughly mixing the pasta, lettuce, and dressing.
• Instant-read meat thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your chicken is cooked safely to temperature.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For efficiently prepping your lettuce and chicken.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your delicious cheddars chicken caesar pasta salad.

1. Boil pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Rinse and cool: Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Immediately rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. Set the cooled pasta aside.
3. Season chicken: Take your two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and generously season both sides with the lemon pepper seasoning. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.
4. Air fry chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your air fryer basket. Cook them at 370°F (185°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer and chicken thickness.
5. Check internal temp: For food safety, always check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider butterflying them for more even cooking.
6. Rest and slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or dice it.
7. Prepare lettuce: While the chicken rests, roughly chop the large head of romaine lettuce. You want bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
8. Combine ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and the thoroughly cooled pasta.
9. Add dressing & cheese: Pour the Marzetti Supreme Caesar Dressing over the lettuce and pasta. Add 1/4 cup of the shaved Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
10. Toss thoroughly: Using tongs, gently but thoroughly toss all the ingredients until the lettuce and pasta are completely coated with the dressing and cheese. Ensure everything is well combined.
11. Serve: Divide the mixed salad evenly between two large individual salad bowls. Top each serving generously with the large croutons.
12. Garnish: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of each salad. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of shaved Parmesan cheese over the chicken and serve your delicious cheddars chicken caesar pasta salad immediately. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect chicken Caesar pasta salad is simple with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delicious result every time.

• Al Dente Pasta: Always cook your pasta to al dente. Overcooked, mushy pasta will negatively impact the salad’s texture.
• Thoroughly Cool Pasta: Rinsing pasta with cold water and ensuring it’s completely cooled before mixing is crucial. This prevents wilting lettuce and thinning the dressing.
• Even Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are unevenly thick, butterfly them. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots.
• Dress Just Before Serving: For the freshest taste and texture, toss your salad with dressing and croutons right before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and croutons crunchy.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little extra lemon pepper or a dash of salt.
• Pre-Prep Ingredients: Save valuable time by chopping your romaine lettuce and slicing chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge.
• Internal Temperature: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures safe consumption.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Cheddar’s chicken Caesar pasta salad is fantastic as is, but it also adapts beautifully to different serving occasions and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

• Main course: It’s hearty enough to be a complete and satisfying meal on its own.
• Side dish: Pair it with a light soup or a classic sandwich for a fuller lunch.
• Potluck favorite: Its robust nature and crowd-pleasing flavors make it easy to transport and share.

Storage Instructions

• Undressed salad: Store the cooked chicken, cooled pasta, and chopped romaine separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Dressed salad: For the best quality, consume any dressed salad within 1-2 days. The lettuce may begin to wilt after this time.
• Keep croutons separate: Always store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Variations

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
• Extra protein: Enhance the protein content by crumbling in cooked bacon bits or adding sliced hard-boiled eggs.
• Vegetarian option: Easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken with grilled chickpeas or pan-seared tofu cubes.
• Different greens: Experiment with other sturdy greens like chopped kale or fresh spinach for a nutritional boost.
• Add more vegetables: Incorporate finely diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even blanched broccoli florets for extra flavor and crunch.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying a homemade Cheddar’s chicken Caesar pasta salad allows you to manage your ingredients, contributing to a balanced diet. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.

This homemade version offers transparency regarding ingredients. Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and exact portion sizes of the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making your perfect Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad? We have the answers to help you succeed!

• Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes, absolutely! Rigatoni, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work very well as substitutes for penne in this recipe.
• Can I grill the chicken instead of air frying? Absolutely, grilling your chicken is a fantastic alternative that adds a smoky flavor. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• How long does this salad last in the fridge? The undressed components can last up to 3 days in an airtight container. Once dressed, it’s best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain optimal freshness and crispness.
• What if I can’t find Marzetti Caesar dressing? No problem at all! Simply use your favorite store-bought creamy Caesar dressing, or you can even whip up a batch of homemade Caesar dressing.
• Can I add more vegetables to the salad? Yes, please do! Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, or thinly sliced red onion for extra flavor, color, and nutrients.

Conclusion

You now have all the tools to recreate the irresistible Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in your own kitchen! This recipe delivers a flavorful, easy, and restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. It’s truly a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners or as an impressive potluck dish that will surely gather compliments. Give this copycat recipe a try at home and discover how simple and satisfying it can be. Enjoy every delicious bite of this Cheddar’s-inspired classic!

Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: A Copycat Recipe

This copycat recipe recreates Cheddar's famous Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, featuring al dente penne pasta, lemon pepper air-fried chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing. It's finished with crunchy croutons and a generous topping of shaved Parmesan.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 950

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 lb penne pasta
• 2 6 oz chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 head romaine lettuce large
• 1/2 cup Marzetti Supreme Caesar Dressing
• 1/2 cup croutons large
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp shaved parmesan cheese

Equipment

• large pot
• air fryer
• instant read meat thermometer
• large bowl
• large salad bowls

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Cook penne pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente, then drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with lemon pepper and air fry at 370ºF for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway; butterfly larger breasts for even cooking. Ensure internal temperature reaches 155ºF and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Roughly chop romaine lettuce and combine it with the cooked and cooled pasta in a large bowl.
4. Add Caesar dressing and 1/4 cup of the shaved Parmesan to the bowl, then toss until the lettuce is fully coated.
5. Divide the prepared salad evenly into two large salad bowls and top each serving with croutons.
6. Slice the rested chicken, arrange it over the salads, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken reaches 155ºF internal temperature and rests for 5 minutes to stay juicy. Rinsing the pasta with cold water prevents it from sticking and cools it down, which is essential for a cold pasta salad.

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