Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Print)

Vibrant bowl with grilled chicken, al dente pasta, romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing. Satisfying and versatile.

# What you'll need:

→ Protein & Pasta

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz)
02 - 9 oz short pasta such as penne, rotini, or farfalle

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Dressing & Toppings

05 - ½ cup Caesar dressing
06 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 cup garlic croutons
08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Marinade

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ½ teaspoon salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly if serving chilled.
02 - While pasta cooks, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
03 - Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
05 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes if using, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat.
06 - Top with sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving cold.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its the perfect compromise between craving a Caesar salad and wanting something substantial enough to call dinner
  • You can make everything ahead and assemble it when hunger strikes, which is basically my love language
02 -
  • Warm pasta absorbs dressing differently than cold pasta, so toss everything right before serving either way
  • Letting chicken rest isn't optional, it's the difference between juicy and dry, and I learned this the disappointing way
03 -
  • If you're serving this chilled, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from becoming sticky
  • Toast your own croutons from day-old bread with olive oil and garlic, they're infinitely better than store-bought
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