Here’s a delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe that combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with pasta and grilled chicken:
Chicken Caesar Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, chopped (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the Pasta and Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with Caesar dressing until well coated. If you want a creamier texture, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin the dressing as needed.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Gently toss the sliced chicken into the pasta, along with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- For extra crunch, top with croutons and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and romaine lettuce (if using).
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta warm, and enjoy the rich, tangy flavor of the Caesar dressing combined with tender chicken and pasta.
Tips
- Make it extra creamy: Add a few tablespoons of cream or sour cream to the dressing for an even richer taste.
- Grill the chicken: For extra flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it.
- Add vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding sautéed vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado.
This Chicken Caesar Pasta is a perfect, easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of a Caesar salad with the comfort of pasta!