Description
This baked Caesar chicken with creamy parmesan pasta delivers gourmet flavors in under an hour, blending tangy Caesar-coated chicken with silky, cheese-laced pasta for an unforgettable weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional substitutions: Greek yogurt for cream, gluten-free pasta, chicken thighs, nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Place in dish.
- Mix Caesar dressing, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush mixture over chicken.
- Combine Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over chicken and press gently to adhere.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature is 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Melt butter in the same pot. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add cream, simmer gently, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Add pasta, reserved water as needed, chicken broth, parsley, garlic powder, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Serve pasta with sliced baked chicken on top. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer for perfect chicken doneness and always reserve pasta water for a silky sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 140mg