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Effortless Chicken Caesar Pasta
One day I wanted a break from the same Caesar salad and came up with this bowl instead. Mixing pasta with the familiar Caesar flavors really hit the spot. The garlicky crispy breadcrumbs totally make it, and the way the creamy sauce hugs everything is just awesome. Now we whip this up for everything—family nights, parties, or whenever we need something delicious.
Why You'll Love This Dish
This bowl packs all the Caesar flavor you crave plus a heartier feel. It's satisfying and sticks with you. Love how the pasta soaks up all that sauce and stays a bit chewy. Great for feeding a bunch or stashing away for lunches. Don’t skip those buttery garlic crumbs on top—they add the best crunch and make every bite pop.
Stuff You'll Need
- Pasta: Grab some bow ties—they hold onto every bit of flavor.
- Romaine Hearts: Go for super crisp ones for extra bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shred a block for bold taste.
- Garlic Breadcrumbs: Toasted bits bring loads of texture.
- Chicken: Season well and cook till you see a golden crust.
- Caesar Dressing: Pick a tasty, creamy one—it matters.
Time to Get Cooking
- Finish with Breadcrumbs
- Top with those crunchy breadcrumbs at the end for big flavor.
- Combine Ingredients
- Dump everything into a big bowl and give it a toss.
- Toast Breadcrumbs
- Sizzle the bread bits in butter and garlic until they're golden.
- Cook the Pasta
- Salt your water a lot and boil pasta so it's just right.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Cook your seasoned chicken so it turns crisp on the outside.
My Go-To Tips
Don’t hold back on salt for the pasta water—it matters! Always grate your parmesan fresh and try not to overcook your noodles. Save the breadcrumbs until you’re ready to eat so they stay crisp. Flavorful chicken makes the whole dish better.
Make It Yours
Sometimes, I swap in roasted chickpeas or garlic shrimp instead of chicken. Tossing in roasted veggies makes it extra tasty and colorful. Kalamata olives or sun dried tomatoes really jazz it up. Fresh herbs on top are always a win.
Keeping Things Tasty
This bowl is good cold or left out a bit—it’s all tasty. We love it next to some crusty bread for a filling meal. It stores great in the fridge for three days, just keep the crunchy breadcrumbs separate and sprinkle them on when serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep parts early, but hold off mixing it all together until right before eating or a few hours max. Keep the crunchy crumbs separate until the last minute.
- → What's the best pasta shape to use?
Bowtie works awesome, but penne or rotini are great too. Just pick something that soaks up the creamy dressing nicely.
- → How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
Toss in romaine just before you want to eat. If prepping early, store lettuce in its own bowl then mix it all up when you're ready so it doesn't get soggy.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Totally! Already cooked rotisserie chicken is great to save time. Just slice or shred it into easy-to-bite bits.
- → Why rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing right after cooking cools pasta super quick and stops it from cooking more. Plus, it'll help keep things from sticking together for a better chill salad.