Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Chicken Caesar Pasta Toss! Imagine the perfect blend of creamy Caesar dressing, tender shredded chicken, and crispy croutons, all twirled together in a delightful pasta symphony that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This quick and easy recipe combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the heartiness of a pasta dish, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that's ready in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the shredded chicken. If using pre-cooked chicken, ensure it's warmed and shredded into bite-sized pieces. If cooking from raw, season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help sauce adhere if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot pasta, shredded chicken, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and continue tossing to distribute evenly.
- Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crispness, gently folding them into the pasta mixture.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm, with additional Parmesan cheese and croutons on the side if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture. Reserve a little pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles more smoothly.
- Chicken Hack: For maximum flavor, season your chicken well before cooking. If using pre-cooked chicken, warm it gently to prevent drying out.
- Dressing Trick: Add the Caesar dressing while the pasta is still hot to help it absorb the flavors more effectively.
- Crouton Crunch: Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. Nobody likes soggy croutons!
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance, but add the croutons and fresh parsley only right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Customization: Feel free to add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more color to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 600kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
