Spicy Chicken Caesar Pasta Bowl (Printable)

Flavorful pasta bowl combining spicy grilled chicken with creamy Caesar dressing, crisp romaine, and fresh parmesan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

08 - 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

→ Salad and Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
10 - 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
11 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/4 cup croutons
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of chicken breasts.
02 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, Caesar dressing, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Divide pasta mixture among serving bowls. Top each portion with sliced spicy chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, and fresh parsley.
06 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It feels indulgent but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • The spicy chicken against creamy dressing creates a contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day once the flavors settle in.
  • You can adjust the heat without losing the smoky depth from the paprika.
02 -
  • Resting the chicken after grilling is non-negotiable or you'll lose all the juices when you slice it.
  • Rinsing the pasta briefly keeps it from clumping and prevents it from overcooking in residual heat.
  • If your Caesar dressing is too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice before tossing.
03 -
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling so they cook at the same rate.
  • Reserve a quarter cup of pasta water before draining, it helps loosen the dressing if things get too thick.
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh right before serving, the difference in flavor is worth the extra minute.
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