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Easy Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe for Perfect Summer Dinners

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A quick and easy summer dinner combining smoky grilled chicken with tender pasta, crisp Romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing chicken)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
  • 3/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing pasta)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water). Add 12 ounces of penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and toss immediately with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping only once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  4. Chop 2 cups Romaine into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm pasta, chopped Romaine, Caesar dressing, Parmesan, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Toss gently until coated.
  6. Fold in sliced grilled chicken and croutons. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Rest chicken after grilling to lock in juices. Toss pasta while warm for best dressing adherence. Add croutons last to keep crunch. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free Caesar dressing. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Caesar pasta, summer dinner, easy recipe, quick pasta, creamy dressing, grilled chicken pasta

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/easy-grilled-chicken-caesar-pasta-recipe-for-perfect-summer-dinners/