Craving a restaurant-quality meal that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta – a culinary masterpiece that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing in one epic dish! This quick and easy recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F and no pink remains.
- In a separate skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help sauce adhere if needed.
- Return pasta to the pot and add diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
- Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and fold into the pasta mixture just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if preferred.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked and crispy bacon – the crunchier, the better! • Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rotini, penne, or fusilli. • Season your chicken generously and ensure it's fully cooked to 165°F for food safety. • Add the romaine lettuce at the very last moment to keep it crisp and fresh. • If the pasta seems dry, use reserved pasta water to create a silky smooth sauce. • Don't overcook the pasta – aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture. • For a lighter version, you can use grilled chicken and turkey bacon. • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the most robust flavor. • Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
