If you’re a fan of both pasta and Caesar salad, then this Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe will be your new go-to meal. Combining the creamy, tangy flavors of a Caesar salad with the hearty goodness of pasta and tender grilled chicken, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

The best part? It comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want something satisfying yet simple to prepare.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Comforting and Flavorful: Combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with hearty pasta and juicy grilled chicken, creating a satisfying meal.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Versatile: The recipe is flexible—add extra veggies, bacon, or even swap out chicken for other proteins to suit your preferences.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Can be made in advance and stored for later, making it a great option for preparing ahead of time.

Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, as it appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures they get a good sear on the grill or in the pan. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season them with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken to coat evenly.

Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This will result in juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly seared exterior. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest. This starchy pasta water will help thicken and bind the dressing to the pasta later, so don’t forget to set it aside!

Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing

Now, it’s time to make the creamy Caesar dressing. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and anchovy paste or fillets. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the dressing feels too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Dressing

Once the pasta is drained and the chicken is sliced, it’s time to put everything together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta and pour the Caesar dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the dressing. If the dressing seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Now, add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the pasta and give it another gentle toss. The creamy dressing will help the chicken stick to the pasta, and the flavors will start to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the Chicken Caesar Pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, croutons for added crunch, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

If you want a little extra flavor, feel free to drizzle some extra Caesar dressing on top or squeeze a bit more lemon juice for a zesty kick. Serve immediately while the pasta is fresh and creamy.

Variations

While this Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe is fantastic as is, you can always customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

Add Vegetables: If you’d like to add more veggies, try tossing in some roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also add some fresh greens like spinach or arugula for extra flavor.
Bacon Bits: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top of the pasta.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and toss it into the pasta with the dressing.
Make it Vegetarian: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or even tofu for protein.
Gluten-Free Version: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety, like brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it’s a great time-saver for meal prep.

Q: Can I use a store-bought Caesar dressing instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds a personal touch, a good quality store-bought Caesar dressing can save time and still taste great. Just be sure to choose one with a tangy, creamy flavor.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Caesar Pasta?
A: While pasta dishes with creamy dressings don’t freeze very well, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately and use it in the future. Once thawed, add fresh pasta and dressing to the chicken when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

Chicken Caesar Pasta is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Serve it as a main dish for dinner, or pair it with a side salad to make a more balanced meal.

A simple side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread would complement the rich, creamy pasta perfectly.

If you’re hosting a dinner party, this dish also makes an excellent crowd-pleaser.

It can be served family-style in large bowls, allowing guests to help themselves. For a lighter meal, serve the pasta with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.