If you’re craving a dish that combines the comforting taste of pasta with the classic flavors of a Caesar salad, this Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta is your go-to recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it offers a wholesome twist that doesn’t compromise on taste. With tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a hint of Parmesan, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Steps
- Slice each chicken breast in half to create thinner, even pieces and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning. Place the chicken in a resealable bag, add ¾ cup of Caesar dressing, seal, and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and sauté minced garlic for one minute. Pour in chicken broth and use a spatula to deglaze the pan, then gradually stir in a mixture of milk and remaining Caesar dressing.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and add angel hair pasta, using tongs to gently bend and submerge the noodles as they soften. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low, add capers, and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, tossing with tongs until well combined. Return the chicken strips to the pan, add lemon juice, and stir everything together.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and cracked pepper before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Caesar Pasta with a side of garlic bread with cheese or your choice of vegetables.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing, divided
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 1 large
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta (equivalent to 1/2 lb.)
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Freshly cracked pepper
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of angel hair?
- Yes, you can use a different type of pasta, but keep in mind that regular spaghetti or other thicker noodles may require additional liquid and cooking time. If substituting, consider adding an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth, an extra 1/2 cup of milk, and an extra 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Is it possible to use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?
- Absolutely! You can use 2 cups of cooked or rotisserie chicken and mix it in at the end of the cooking process. There’s no need to marinate or sear the chicken if it’s already cooked.
- How should I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be kept for up to three days. You can also freeze the dish for up to three months for longer storage.
- What can I serve alongside Chicken Caesar Pasta?
- This dish pairs well with Garlic Bread with Cheese, roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots, or a fresh salad with homemade Italian or Caesar dressing. Buttermilk biscuits or Cheddar Bay biscuits also make great side options.
- Can I make a lighter version of the sauce?
- Yes, this recipe already offers a lighter alternative to the traditional heavy Caesar dressing sauce by incorporating more balanced flavors and using a one-pot method. You can further lighten it by adjusting the amount of dressing or using a low-fat version.
Tips
- Opt for Angel Hair Pasta: Ensure you use angel hair pasta for this recipe as it cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce well. If you only have regular spaghetti, you’ll need to increase the amount of liquid and cooking time.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your Parmesan cheese and milk-Caesar dressing mixture to come to room temperature before adding them to the sauce. This helps achieve a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in Caesar dressing for at least 20 minutes. This step can be skipped if you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, which can be added directly to the pasta at the end.
- Twist and Soften Pasta: As you add the angel hair pasta to the boiling liquid, use kitchen tongs to gently twist and guide the noodles into the pot as they soften, preventing them from clumping together.
Equipment
- High-walled skillet or Dutch oven
- Silicone spatula
- Kitchen tongs
