Caesar Pasta Chicken Bowl (Printable)

Grilled chicken with pasta, crisp romaine, and Caesar dressing in a vibrant, satisfying bowl ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein & Pasta

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz)
02 - 9 oz short pasta such as penne, rotini, or farfalle

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ 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 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ½ teaspoon salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly if serving chilled.
02 - While pasta cooks, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
03 - Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Grill chicken for 6 to 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 if using, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat.
06 - Top with sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Every bowl balances warm and cold textures so each bite keeps you interested
  • It comes together in 35 minutes but tastes like something from a casual restaurant
  • The leftovers actually hold up beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Slicing the chicken against the grain keeps each bite tender instead of chewy
  • Tossing the pasta with dressing while slightly warm helps it absorb flavor better
  • The croutons get soggy if you dress the salad too far ahead, so add them right before serving
03 -
  • Pound the chicken to even thickness before cooking so it grills evenly throughout
  • Let the chicken rest for the full 5 minutes so the juices redistribute
  • Double the dressing if you prefer a creamier, more coated bowl
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