Chicken Caesar Pasta
Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying, this Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe is the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich, velvety Caesar-inspired sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, while golden, pan-seared chicken breast adds a hearty, protein-packed touch. Brightened with a splash of lemon juice and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is an elevated twist on traditional pasta night. Ready in just 40 minutes and easy to customize, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve it hot, garnished with extra cheese for a truly indulgent experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the Caesar dressing and heavy cream, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Stir in the sliced chicken and allow everything to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.3 g | 223% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.9 g | 424% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 684 mg | 228% | |
| Sodium | 7118 mg | 309% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 325.6 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 187.0 g | 374% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1028 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 1776 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
