Pin to board I stumbled onto this combination during one of those frantic weeknight scrambles when the refrigerator held random bits and nothing made sense together. The chicken was already thawed, pasta was within reach, and a half-empty jar of Caesar dressing sat on the door shelf. Sometimes desperation recipes become the ones you actually crave.
My roommate walked in mid-toss that first night, sniffed the air, and immediately asked for a bowl. We ate standing up at the kitchen counter, forks scraping against mixing bowls, neither of us bothering with actual plates. That is how you know a dinner is worth repeating.
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Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless cook faster and slice beautifully over the pasta
- Short pasta: Penne or rotini catch all the creamy dressing in their curves
- Romaine lettuce: Adds crunch that balances the warm pasta perfectly
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst between bites and bring bright color to the bowl
- Caesar dressing: The creamy glue that holds everything together with that classic tang
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts slightly against warm pasta for salty richness
- Garlic croutons: Essential for texture and that garlicky punch in every bite
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and prevents sticking on the grill
- Garlic powder: Layers garlic flavor without burning like fresh garlic might on high heat
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that let the other flavors shine
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Instructions
- Get the pasta going first:
- Drop your pasta into salted boiling water and cook until it still has a little bite, then drain it well
- Heat your pan while pasta cooks:
- Get a grill pan or skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat so you get those gorgeous sear marks
- Season the chicken:
- Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Grill until perfect:
- Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until it is cooked through, then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing
- Build your base:
- Toss the cooked pasta with chopped romaine, halved cherry tomatoes if you are using them, and Caesar dressing until everything is coated
- Top it all off:
- Arrange sliced chicken over the pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan, croutons, and extra black pepper
Pin to board This recipe became my go-to for potlucks because it travels beautifully and people always ask for the recipe. Something about that combination of warm pasta and cold crisp lettuce just works.
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Make It Your Own
I have swapped in grilled shrimp when chicken felt too heavy, and honestly, the shrimp version might be even better. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the whole bowl right before serving brightens everything up and cuts through the rich dressing.
Serving It Right
Warm pasta makes this comfort food, while chilled pasta transforms it into a satisfying salad. Either way, serve it in wide shallow bowls so everyone gets some of everything in each forkful.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy dressing beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a wedge of lemon refreshes the palate between bites.
- Keep extra croutons on the table because people always want more crunch
- Offer extra Parmesan at the table because cheese makes everything better
- Lemon wedges on the side let guests adjust the brightness to their taste
Pin to board This is the kind of dinner that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday. Hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen like it did in mine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare all components separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the romaine from wilting.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle catch the creamy dressing beautifully and hold up well when chilled. Avoid long strands like spaghetti—the pieces become difficult to eat in a bowl format.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover components separate in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sliced chicken, dressed pasta, and vegetables in individual containers. Assemble fresh portions when ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, this shortcut works wonderfully. Shred or chop rotisserie chicken and skip the grilling step. You'll reduce total time to about 15 minutes. Season the chicken lightly with garlic powder and pepper to maintain flavor balance.
- → Is this bowl freezer-friendly?
The dressed pasta and romaine do not freeze well due to texture changes. However, you can freeze the grilled chicken slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and assemble with fresh pasta and vegetables when serving.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell peppers, or red onion all add crunch and color. For a more substantial version, try adding roasted broccoli, grilled zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms.
