1 cup dry pasta, cooked according to package directions (rotini holds the dressing nicely)
6 slices bacon, cooked; reserve 1 Tbsp bacon drippings to toss with pasta
1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
¼-1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional - definitely use it if you're making it as a pasta salad)
½ a large head of lettuce
Croutons
Caesar dressing (I use Renee's Caesar dressing)
Fresh black pepper
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook bacon and prep all other ingredients.
Drain pasta and rinse under cold water. Transfer to bowl and toss with 1 tbsp bacon drippings (doesn't "drippings" sound so much better than "grease"? But really, this is important to get the best flavour, don't skip it! If you're making this ahead, it also keeps the pasta from sticking together.)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to coat thoroughly with dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
*If you're not serving it immediately, toss all ingredients EXCEPT lettuce and croutons together and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, add lettuce and croutons and additional dressing and black pepper.
Recipe by Hidden Ponies at https://hiddenponies.com/2011/06/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/