Chicken Caesar Tortellini Salad

Name: Chicken Caesar Tortellini Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz cheese tortellini; 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thin sliced; lemon pepper seasoning, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tbsp butter; 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese; 1.5 cups Caesar dressing; croutons, for topping; extra shaved parmesan cheese, for topping; freshly ground black pepper, for topping

This Chicken Caesar Tortellini Salad combines tender seasoned chicken with creamy cheese tortellini and crisp romaine in a classic Caesar dressing, creating a satisfying one-bowl meal that works for weeknight dinners or summer entertaining.

🌍American 🏷️Pasta salad 🏷️Chicken caesar salad 🏷️Tortellini salad 🏷️Chicken Tortellini

🏷️

🏷️Parmesan

-0:00

whatsmomcookinonTikTok

Total

27 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by whatsmomcookin

-0:00

whatsmomcookinonTikTok

Ingredients

20 oz cheese tortellini
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thin sliced
lemon pepper seasoning, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp butter
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
1.5 cups Caesar dressing
croutons, for toppingoptional
extra shaved parmesan cheese, for toppingoptional
freshly ground black pepper, for toppingoptional

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Instructions

1
Boil the cheese tortellini according to package directions, about 2 minutes.
2
Immediately drain the tortellini and run it under cold water until completely cooled. Set aside.
3
Season the thin-sliced chicken breasts generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter.
5
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
7
In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, cooled tortellini, chopped chicken, shaved parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
8
Toss everything together until well combined.
9
To serve, top with croutons, extra shaved parmesan, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pound the chicken breasts to a consistent thin thickness before seasoning and pan-searing—this ensures even cooking and quicker prep.
Cool the cooked tortellini and chicken completely before combining with dressing to prevent wilting and keep textures distinct.
Add croutons and extra parmesan just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from absorbing excess moisture.

Substitutions

Cheese tortellini → spinach or meat tortellini (shifts flavor but works equally well)
Caesar dressing → Greek yogurt-based Caesar or ranch (lighter option)
Romaine lettuce → mixed greens or arugula (adds variety but slightly less crunch)
Shaved parmesan → freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (more robust flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; keep croutons and extra dressing separate and add when reheating or serving chilled.

Common Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the tortellini and chicken in advance and refrigerate separately. Toss with dressing and romaine up to 2 hours before serving to prevent sogginess.

What's the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

Pound the thin-sliced breasts evenly, then pan-sear in olive oil and butter with lemon pepper seasoning for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let cool before chopping if needed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Shred or chop about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and skip the cooking step. Season lightly with lemon pepper if desired.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Dress the tortellini and greens separately just before serving, or reserve dressing on the side. Store croutons and parmesan in separate containers until assembly.