Chicken Caesar Pasta (One Pot!)

Whip up a delicious and creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta in just one pot! This easy dinner recipe features tender chicken marinated in Caesar dressing, tossed with angel hair pasta in a rich, tangy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick one-pot meal is loaded with bold flavors and minimal cleanup. Learn how to make this easy pasta recipe with tips for substitutions, variations, and serving ideas. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 large)
  • 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • ¾ cup Caesar salad dressing (for marinating)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Sauce and Pasta:
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
  • ¼ cup Caesar salad dressing (for the sauce)
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz. angel hair pasta (½ lb.)
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• To Garnish:
  • Freshly cracked pepper
  • Fresh parsley, roughly chopped

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin, evenly sized pieces. Season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
2. Place chicken in a Ziploc bag and add ¾ cup of Caesar dressing. Seal the bag and coat the chicken thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).

Prepare Ingredients

3. Shred the Parmesan cheese and let it come to room temperature.
4. In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup Caesar dressing and ¾ cup milk. Let it sit at room temperature to ensure a smooth consistency.

Cook the Chicken

5. Heat olive oil in a large, high-walled skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
6. Remove chicken from the marinade and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, undisturbed, until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium if oil splatters.
7. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips and return any juices on the plate to the skillet.

Make the Sauce

8. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
9. Pour in chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet (deglazing).
10. Stir in the milk/Caesar dressing mixture and bring to a gentle boil.

Cook the Pasta

11. Add angel hair pasta to the skillet. Use kitchen tongs to bend and submerge the noodles as they soften, or break them in half for easier handling.
12. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.

Finish and Serve

13. Add capers and reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan cheese while tossing with tongs to incorporate.
14. Stir in the chicken strips and lemon juice, combining well.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and cracked pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor.
• Creamy and Tangy: A luscious Caesar-inspired sauce with bright lemon and savory Parmesan.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners with a prep-to-table time of under an hour.

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Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the milk and Caesar dressing are at room temp for a smooth sauce.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Angel hair cooks quickly; watch it closely to avoid mushy noodles.
• Deglazing Tip: Scraping the browned bits adds incredible depth to the sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Swap chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
• Pasta: Use fettuccine or linguine if angel hair isn’t available.

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FAQs

Can I use store-bought shredded Parmesan?
For best results, shred your own Parmesan—it melts better and tastes fresher.

What’s a good substitute for capers?
Green olives or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can mimic the briny flavor of capers.

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Serving

Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.

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Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
• Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or extra lemon juice for more tanginess.