Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing combined in a satisfying, versatile bowl.

# Ingredient List:

→ Protein & Pasta

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz)
02 - 9 oz short pasta such as penne, rotini, or farfalle

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ 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 Steps:

01 - Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package directions 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 - Place seasoned chicken on the preheated grill pan. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
06 - Distribute dressed pasta mixture into serving bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled presentation.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one bowl, meaning less cleanup and more time eating
  • The warm pasta and cool lettuce create a perfect temperature contrast
  • You can prep all components ahead and assemble in minutes
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all the juices inside instead of on your cutting board
  • The pasta continues absorbing dressing as it sits, so add a little extra if you are not serving immediately
03 -
  • Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over warm pasta first so it melts and clings to every curve
  • Toast your croutons in the same pan after cooking the chicken to pick up all those flavorful browned bits
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