Spicy Chicken Caesar Pasta (Print version)

A hearty pasta bowl combining spicy grilled chicken with creamy Caesar dressing, crisp romaine, and parmesan for a satisfying meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

08 - 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

→ Salad and Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
10 - 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
11 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/4 cup croutons
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of chicken breasts.
03 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, Caesar dressing, romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. Mix gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Divide pasta mixture among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced spicy chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and fresh parsley.
07 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It marries comfort food and bold flavor without being complicated or fussy.
  • You get protein, greens, and carbs all in one bowl, making it a complete meal.
  • The spicy chicken stays juicy and flavorful, never dry or bland.
  • It comes together in under an hour, perfect for weeknights when you're hungry but don't want to sacrifice taste.
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken after grilling, it keeps the juices inside instead of spilling all over your cutting board.
  • Rinse the pasta briefly under cold water so it doesn't turn gummy and clump together in the bowl.
  • Add the romaine just before serving if you like it extra crisp, tossing it in too early can make it wilt.
  • Taste the spice rub before you apply it, cayenne can vary in heat from brand to brand.
03 -
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning so they cook uniformly and don't dry out on the edges.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of the pre grated kind, it melts better and tastes sharper.
  • If your Caesar dressing feels too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of pasta water.
  • Let the pasta cool for a minute before tossing with the lettuce so the greens don't wilt from the heat.
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