Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful, no-fuss dinner that combines juicy baked chicken breasts smothered in creamy Caesar dressing with a side of rich, cheesy pasta. It’s a simple, comforting meal that comes together with minimal prep—and tastes like something I’d order at a nice restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortlessly this dish comes together. The Caesar dressing keeps the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful as it bakes, and the parmesan pasta is creamy, cheesy, and made with just a few ingredients. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels elevated, with little time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Caesar dressing (creamy-style)
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the pasta:
- Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Butter
- Minced garlic
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Reserved pasta water (if needed to loosen the sauce)
Directions
For the Chicken:
- I preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then place it in the dish.
- I spread Caesar dressing generously over each chicken breast and top with a good sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- I bake the chicken uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and golden on top.
For the Pasta:
- While the chicken bakes, I boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. I reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, I melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- I stir in cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then mix in the parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth.
- I toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- I season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken is ready, I serve it sliced over or alongside the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 35–40 minutes total. It’s great for a fast weeknight dinner that feels cozy and indulgent.
Variations
- I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Sometimes I mix a little lemon zest into the Caesar dressing for brightness.
- I add steamed broccoli or spinach to the pasta to sneak in some greens.
- For extra crunch, I sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the chicken before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the pasta sauce if needed. The chicken stays tender thanks to the creamy topping.
FAQs
Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?
Yes, I use my favorite store-bought creamy Caesar dressing. The better the dressing, the more flavorful the chicken.
Can I make this with precooked chicken?
If I’m using precooked chicken, I just heat it in the oven with Caesar and parmesan on top until warmed through—about 10–15 minutes.
What’s the best pasta for this?
I usually go with fettuccine or penne, but any pasta shape works. I pick something that holds onto the creamy sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I prep the chicken and pasta sauce in advance, store them separately, and bake/finally assemble right before serving.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely. The creamy dressing and pasta are usually a hit with kids. I skip the extra garlic or pepper if cooking for younger eaters.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those meals that feels fancy but is super simple to make. It’s flavorful, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser in my house. When I want something satisfying and fuss-free, this is the dinner I turn to.
Print
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Baked, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts baked in creamy Caesar dressing, served with cheesy parmesan pasta. This easy Caesar chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place chicken in the baking dish. Spread Caesar dressing evenly over the top of each piece.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
For the Pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve pasta with baked Caesar chicken, sliced or whole.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add lemon zest to the dressing for brightness.
- Toss steamed broccoli or spinach into the pasta for added greens.
- Top chicken with breadcrumbs before baking for crunch.
- Reheat pasta with a splash of milk or cream to maintain texture.
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