Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Printable)

Grilled chicken, pasta, and crisp romaine tossed with creamy Caesar dressing. Serve warm or chilled for a balanced meal.

# Ingredient list:

→ Protein & Pasta

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 ounces)
02 - 9 ounces 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 evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side 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 evenly.
06 - Top the pasta mixture 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 -
  • You get that perfect Caesar punch but with actual substance to keep you full for hours
  • It works equally well for dinner prep as it does for next day lunches
  • The combo of warm chicken and cool lettuce creates this amazing temperature contrast
02 -
  • Slicing the chicken against the grain makes each bite more tender
  • The pasta absorbs dressing as it sits so add a splash more if eating leftovers the next day
03 -
  • Toast your own croutons from dayold bread with olive oil and garlic
  • Let the pasta cool for 5 minutes before tossing so the lettuce doesnt wilt
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