Caesar Pasta Salad - beautifully plated pasta dish

Caesar Pasta Salad

The beloved Caesar salad reimagined with pasta β€” creamy garlic dressing, crispy bacon, Parmesan, and crunchy croutons.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

10 min

Servings

6

Calories

350

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

β€œI rinse pasta under cold water for salads β€” it's the one time you want to stop the cooking immediately and remove surface starch.”

β€” Chef Luca Bianchi

Nutrition Facts

350

cal

25g

Protein

13g

Fat

52g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

633mg

Sodium

Tips & Tricks

  • β€’Always salt your pasta water generously β€” it should taste like the sea.
  • β€’Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • β€’Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (3)

Michael W.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.

Sarah M.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already.

David C.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Restaurant quality at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The pasta water trick really makes the sauce come together.