Ingredients

Scale

8 oz (about 2 cups) short pasta (like penne, rotini, or farfalle)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie, about 1 lb uncooked)
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup milk or water to thin if needed

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
While pasta cooks, prepare your grilled chicken (if not using pre-cooked) by seasoning and grilling until cooked through, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Chop the romaine lettuce and mince the garlic.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of milk or water if the dressing is too thick.
Add the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, and chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and croutons.

Notes

Make Ahead: The pasta and chicken can be cooked and prepped a day in advance. Store dressing separately and combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste. Variations: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, or bell peppers for extra veggies and crunch. For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add chickpeas or grilled halloumi. Dressing Tip: For an extra garlicky kick, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for 5-10 minutes before whisking into the dressing.

Author: Cook Reel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Salad, Lunch
Method: Assembling, Tossing
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg