Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender grilled chicken meets al dente pasta, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing in this satisfying bowl—delicious served warm or chilled.

# 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:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well 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, then season evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Place chicken on hot grill pan and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
05 - In large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
06 - Divide pasta mixture among serving bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The warm chicken against cool crisp lettuce creates a perfect temperature contrast that keeps every bite interesting
  • This recipe adapts beautifully to whatever pasta shape is lingering in your pantry
  • Everything comes together in about 35 minutes from start to finish
02 -
  • Overcooked pasta becomes mushy once dressed so aim for true al dente texture
  • The chicken needs resting time or it will release juices and make everything watery
  • Add dressing just before serving or the lettuce will wilt and lose its crisp texture
03 -
  • Toast extra croutons and store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre grated for better melting and flavor
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