Dinner

Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Corn Recipe

Name: Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Corn Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta; 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1½ cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing); ¾ cup Caesar dressing; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup croutons; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Byluca Carter August 10, 2026August 10, 2026

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Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Corn is a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Combining tender chicken, crisp romaine, sweet corn, and a tangy Caesar dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is both satisfying and easy to make.

A white bowl filled with a layered pasta salad. The bottom layer is green leafy lettuce, slightly crisp and fresh. On top of that are pale yellow spiral rotini pasta coated lightly with creamy dressing. Scattered throughout are small, bright yellow corn kernels and golden brown croutons. Pieces of light beige grilled chicken chunks are spread evenly over the salad. The whole dish is sprinkled with grated cheese and finely chopped green herbs, adding texture and a bit of color. A gold fork rests inside the bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
2 cooked chicken breasts, diced (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)

1½ cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
¾ cup Caesar dressing
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water, then allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the corn by cooking fresh corn, thawing frozen corn, or thoroughly draining canned corn.

Step 3: Dice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to create a flavorful dressing.
Step 5: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, corn, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Just before serving, fold in the chopped romaine to keep it crisp and fresh.
Step 7: Top the salad with croutons, additional Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and garlic before cooking.

Swap the sweet corn for grilled zucchini or roasted cherry tomatoes for a different twist.
Use homemade Caesar dressing to control the ingredients and adjust the tanginess to your liking.
Add avocado slices for creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, add it fresh right before serving. Reheat the pasta and chicken portions separately if desired, but this salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a pasta salad showing three clear layers; the bottom layer has green lettuce leaves with a fresh texture, the middle layer includes yellow corn kernels scattered around, and the top layer has creamy coated spiral pasta mixed with small chunks of grilled chicken pieces in light brown and beige colors, sprinkled with grated cheese and small green herbs. Some crunchy brown croutons are visible mixed on top along with a golden spoon on the right side, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or shells works well in this salad. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up without becoming mushy.

Is it better to use fresh or canned corn?

Fresh corn adds the best flavor when cooked and cut from the cob, but frozen or canned corn also work well when properly prepared (thawed or drained). Choose based on convenience and availability.