Stove-Top Chicken Caesar Pasta Delight

Ingredients

- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 romaine hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the pasta.
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately PT10M (10 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Toast the Breadcrumbs:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, and stir until golden brown and crispy, about PT3M (3 minutes).
- Transfer the toasted breadcrumbs to a small bowl and season with a pinch of kosher salt and the freshly ground black pepper.

3. Combine the Ingredients:
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken and sauté for PT2M (2 minutes) until warmed through.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine.

4. Dress the Pasta:
- Add the chopped romaine hearts to the skillet, followed by the Caesar salad dressing.
- Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Adjust the amount of water as needed.
- Cook for PT2M (2 minutes) to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.

5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Top with the toasted panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT5M (5 minutes)
- Cooking Time: PT20M (20 minutes)

Total Time

- Total Time: PT25M (25 minutes)

Type of Dish

- Lunch

Keywords

- Chicken Caesar pasta
- Easy lunch recipe
- Stove-top cooking
- Caesar salad pasta
- Italian-inspired lunch
- Crunchy pasta dish
- Quick lunch ideas
- Family meal
- Comfort food
- Salad-inspired pasta

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- Total: 1640 calories

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