Chicken Caesar Pasta is a delightful fusion of classic Caesar salad flavors with the comforting appeal of pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrition. This recipe is a testament to the versatility of chicken, transforming it into a succulent centerpiece that pairs beautifully with the wholesome goodness of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 1-2 chicken breasts, flattened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 canned anchovy fillets
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup broccoli, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Additional grated parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when needed. -
Cook pasta:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook chicken and onion:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the flattened chicken breasts and chopped onion in the oil until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is translucent. Once done, cut the chicken into strips and set aside. -
Prepare Caesar dressing:
Peel and mince the garlic clove. In a bowl, mash together the minced garlic and anchovy fillets until smooth. Add fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and grated parmesan cheese to the garlic mixture. Whisk until smooth and well combined. -
Prepare vegetables:
Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. -
Combine ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken strips, pasta, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. -
Assemble and bake:
Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated parmesan cheese. -
Bake:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables reach your desired level of crispness and the cheese is melted and golden on top. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once baked to perfection, remove the Chicken Caesar Pasta from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this wholesome dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 644.9
- Fat Content: 20.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5g
- Cholesterol Content: 127.3mg
- Sodium Content: 356.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 86.9g
- Fiber Content: 5.4g
- Sugar Content: 4.2g
- Protein Content: 29.2g
Recipe Yield:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends.
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in Caesar dressing before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would also work well in this dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the Caesar dressing.
With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and satisfying textures, this Chicken Caesar Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is a winning choice that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience that’s both nutritious and delicious!
