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