Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant bowl with grilled chicken, pasta, romaine, and Caesar dressing. Serve warm or chilled in 35 minutes.

# 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 - 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
06 - 1/2 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 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions 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 until cooked through and juices run clear. Allow to 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 evenly.
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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • The temperature contrast between warm chicken and crisp vegetables keeps every bite interesting
  • Everything can be prepped ahead making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners
  • The Caesar sauce clings to pasta curves in a way regular lettuce salads never achieve
02 -
  • Slice chicken against the grain for the most tender bite every single time
  • The pasta absorbs dressing as it sits so add a little extra right before serving leftovers
03 -
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre shredded for better melting and flavor
  • Let the dressing sit on the pasta for 5 minutes before tossing with lettuce to soften it slightly
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