Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing in a vibrant bowl—perfect warm or chilled.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein & Pasta

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)
02 - 9 oz short pasta (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 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tsp garlic powder
11 - ½ tsp salt
12 - ¼ tsp black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly if serving chilled.
02 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat while pasta cooks.
03 - Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
05 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
06 - Top with sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan, croutons, and black pepper. Serve immediately warm, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a cold version.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The warm cold contrast hits every satisfaction button in your brain
  • Ready in 35 minutes but tastes like you put way more thought into it
  • Perfect for using up leftover grilled chicken or making ahead for lunch tomorrow
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing is nonnegotiable unless you want dry meat and lost juices
  • The pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so add a little extra if you are meal prepping for the next day
03 -
  • Crisp your romaine in ice water for 10 minutes before chopping for restaurant style crunch
  • Toast extra croutons with a little garlic butter for an even more impressive topping
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