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Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad, a delightful blend of hearty pasta, crispy roasted chickpeas, and peppery arugula. This dish brings a modern twist to the classic Caesar salad while being entirely adaptable to your taste preferences. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. With creamy dressing enveloping every bite and optional toppings like grilled chicken or avocado for added nutrients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 ½ cups Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
  • Grilled chicken (sliced, optional)
  • Avocado (diced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chickpeas dry with a towel, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
  2. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Toss with ice cubes in the colander to cool quickly.
  3. If needed, thin your Caesar dressing with lemon juice or white vinegar.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with Caesar dressing until coated. Gently fold in roasted chickpeas and arugula.
  5. Top with croutons, shaved Parmesan, and any additional toppings like cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.weekmealideas.com/creamy-caesar-pasta-salad/