Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe
With its rich, creamy flavors and hearty appeal, this Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a get-together, or simply indulging yourself, this dish brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Enjoy!
When it comes to combining the best of both worlds—pasta and salad—this Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe is the ultimate answer.
It’s the perfect fusion of creamy, tangy Caesar flavors with the heartiness of al dente pasta and the savory delight of grilled chicken.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, easy to prepare, and works wonderfully for everything from busy weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. Let’s dive into how this recipe will become your new favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Meets Freshness: It combines the creamy, garlicky goodness of Caesar dressing with the satisfying chew of pasta and the light crunch of croutons.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the ultimate meal when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
- Customizable: From swapping chicken for shrimp to adding more greens, this recipe can easily be tailored to your tastes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or work lunches.
- A Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this pasta, thanks to its familiar and indulgent flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a generous tablespoon of salt. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
3. Make the Caesar Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta in the Caesar sauce until it’s well coated. Add the grilled chicken strips and mix gently to combine.
5. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl or plate. Sprinkle with croutons, freshly chopped parsley or basil, and extra parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even crispy tofu for a different twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and croutons to make this dish gluten-free.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a healthier take on the Caesar sauce.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Yes! A good-quality store-bought Caesar dressing works perfectly. However, if you have time, making it from scratch will elevate the dish even more.
2. How can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to restore the creaminess of the sauce.
How to Serve
This Chicken Caesar Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A Fresh Green Salad: Toss some leafy greens with a light vinaigrette to complement the creamy pasta.
- Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, serve with warm, crusty garlic bread.
- A Light Soup: A simple tomato or vegetable soup makes a great starter for this meal.
Chicken Caesar Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts grilled or pan-seared
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of pasta penne or bowtie works best
- 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
For the Caesar Sauce:
- ¾ cup Caesar dressing store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves minced
For Garnishing:
- 1 cup croutons store-bought or homemade
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Season and grill chicken until cooked through; slice into strips.
- Cook pasta until al dente; drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Whisk together Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic for the sauce.
- Toss pasta in the sauce; add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Mix in grilled chicken slices, garnish with croutons, parsley, and parmesan, and serve immediately.
