It’s 6pm. You’re tired. Dinner needs to happen fast.
This One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta is your new secret weapon. It delivers creamy, fresh flavors without a sink full of dishes. You will love how the warm pasta meets the crisp crunch of Romaine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy weeknights. You only need one pot to make the entire meal. This means less cleanup and more time to relax. It is the perfect blend of a cozy pasta and a fresh salad.
The sauce is incredibly simple because it uses Caesar dressing. It creates a velvety texture that coats every piece of penne. Your kids will love the familiar, savory taste. It is a budget-friendly way to feed a hungry family quickly.
Simple Method
Making this dish is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You start by searing the chicken for a golden crust. Then, you cook the pasta right in the chicken broth. This infuses the noodles with extra flavor. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 0.5 cup seasoned croutons
Step-by-Step
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pot and sear until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
- Add minced garlic to the residual oil in the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and toss to incorporate and reheat.
- Remove the pot from the heat source. Fold in the chopped Romaine lettuce and top with croutons immediately before serving to maintain texture.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dish warm while the lettuce is still bright and crisp. It looks beautiful in a large wooden bowl. You can pair it with a fresh fruit salad on the side. This is a complete meal all on its own. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Note that the lettuce will soften when stored. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk. Add fresh croutons just before eating to regain that satisfying crunch.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip searing the chicken to lock in the juices.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta so it stays nice and firm.
- Use a high-quality creamy Caesar dressing for the best flavor.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
- Add the lettuce at the very last second before serving.
- For a summer twist, use fresh garden garlic if you have it.
- Double the croutons if your kids love extra crunch.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a quick seafood version.
- Use gluten-free penne to make this dish allergy-friendly.
- In summer, add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
- Swap Caesar dressing for ranch for a different creamy vibe.
Common Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you certainly can! Just skip the searing step and add the shredded chicken at the end. This makes the recipe even faster for busy nights.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in a tablespoon of milk or broth. This will thin the sauce to your liking. It should be creamy and smooth.
Will my kids like the lettuce?
Most kids enjoy the mild crunch of Romaine. If they are picky, you can serve the lettuce on the side. Let them build their own perfect bowl.
I hope this easy pasta brings a little calm to your busy weeknights. It is a fresh, filling meal that always puts smiles on faces. Enjoy every bite!
— Lidia
One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups low -sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 0.5 cup seasoned croutons
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pot and sear until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
- Add minced garlic to the residual oil in the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and toss to incorporate and reheat.
- Remove the pot from the heat source. Fold in the chopped Romaine lettuce and top with croutons immediately before serving to maintain texture.
