Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Printable Version)

Grilled chicken, pasta, and crisp romaine tossed in creamy Caesar dressing with Parmesan and croutons.

# What You Need:

→ Marinade

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 tsp garlic powder
03 - ½ tsp salt
04 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Protein & Pasta

05 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)
06 - 9 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Dressing & Toppings

09 - ½ cup Caesar dressing
10 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 cup garlic croutons
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make It:

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 - Preheat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat while pasta cooks.
03 - Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Grill chicken for 6–7 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, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
06 - Top with sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan, croutons, and black pepper. Serve immediately warm, or refrigerate 30 minutes for cold serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The warm chicken against chilled pasta and crisp lettuce creates the most satisfying temperature contrast
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes even on your busiest weeknights
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside instead of running onto your cutting board
  • Reserve a handful of Parmesan to sprinkle on top so everyone sees the fresh cheese immediately
03 -
  • Toast your own croutons from day old bread for infinitely better flavor than store bought
  • Toss the warm pasta with half the dressing while it is still hot so it really absorbs the flavors
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