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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

A creamy, fresh meal-prep pasta salad with tender chicken, crisp romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing that stays delicious for days when stored the right way.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meals
Course: Meal Prep, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast boneless and skinless
  • salt for poaching water
  • 1 bay leaf optional
Salad
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup Caesar dressing store separately if meal prepping
  • 1.5 cups croutons store separately
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Meal Prep Containers

Method
 

  1. Fill two pots with water, one for the chicken and one for the pasta. Bring both to a simmer.
  2. Pat the chicken dry. Add it to the simmering water with salt and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low and poach gently for 12 to 14 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 1 minute less than package directions.
  4. Drain the pasta and immediately shock it in ice water for 2 minutes. Drain well.
  5. Shred or slice the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Toss the pasta with lemon juice, then combine with chicken, romaine, and Parmesan.
  7. Divide into meal prep containers. Store dressing and croutons separately. Add them just before serving.

Notes

For best texture, keep the dressing and croutons separate until serving. Enjoy within 4 days for freshest lettuce and best quality.