There’s nothing quite like a comforting, home-cooked meal that combines ease with incredible flavor. Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect dish for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken baked with Caesar dressing and Parmesan pairs beautifully with a creamy, cheesy pasta—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: Most of these are pantry staples, making preparation a breeze.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit for both kids and adults alike.
- Restaurant-Worthy Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Caesar dressing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish.
For the Chicken
Ingredient | Quantity |
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
Caesar dressing | 1 cup |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup (divided) |
For the Pasta
Ingredient | Quantity |
Pasta (fettuccine or penne) | 10 oz |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta masterpiece.
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Coat the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Add the Parmesan
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. This forms a delicious crust as it bakes.
3. Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Once cooked, switch the oven setting to broil and broil for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
4. Cook the Pasta
Prepare the Pasta
- While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set the cooked pasta aside.
Sauté the Garlic
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine with Cheese
- Stir the cooked pasta into the pan and mix in the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Toss until the pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
5. Assemble and Serve
Finish the Pasta
- Toss the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the Chicken and Pasta
- Slice the baked chicken and serve it on top of the pasta or alongside it.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or extra Parmesan cheese for garnish if desired.
Tips for Success
1. Choose the Right Chicken
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Use High-Quality Parmesan
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
4. Customize Your Pasta
- Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per serving (based on four servings):
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | ~550 kcal |
Protein | ~40 g |
Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
Fat | ~28 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and ensure the Caesar dressing you use is gluten-free.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain flavor and texture.
4. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can season and coat the chicken with Caesar dressing a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
5. What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent side dishes to complement this meal.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is the star of the recipe, you can mix it with Romano or Asiago cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe brings together the tangy, savory flavors of Caesar dressing with the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese. Baking the chicken ensures it stays juicy, while broiling gives it that irresistible golden crust. The garlic-infused pasta ties everything together, making this dish both comforting and indulgent.
Call to Action
Now that you have everything you need to create Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Share your masterpiece with family and friends, and don’t forget to leave a comment about how it turned out. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Simple and Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s quick and easy? Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect solution! Juicy, tender chicken baked with Caesar dressing and Parmesan pairs beautifully with creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish is a family-friendly favorite that can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
For the Pasta:
- 10 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour Caesar dressing over the top, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken to create a flavorful crust as it bakes.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Switch the oven to broil for 3-5 minutes to get the top golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken bakes, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the pan, mixing in the remaining Parmesan cheese until the pasta is evenly coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Toss the pasta with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the baked chicken and serve it on top of the pasta or alongside it. Garnish with fresh lemon juice or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep it juicy.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Customize Your Pasta: Add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American