Chicken Caesar Pasta Bake
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of a classic Caesar salad transformed into a hearty pasta bake. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Bake is the perfect meal to serve on a chilly evening or when you’re in need of a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner. The creamy Caesar dressing melds perfectly with the pasta, while the chicken provides protein and the baked cheese on top adds a delightful crisped texture.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped (for serving)
- Extra Caesar dressing (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt if necessary. Mix well to ensure all pasta is coated evenly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the pasta bake with fresh Romaine lettuce, extra Caesar dressing on the side, and lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on two classic dishes, combining the creamy, savory taste of a Caesar salad with the heartiness of a baked pasta. Perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends, it is sure to please any crowd with its delicious layers of flavor and satisfying textures.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or anchovy paste to the pasta mixture.
- You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save on prep time.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the pasta mixture, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before you’re ready to serve.
- To ensure even baking, cover with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes, then remove to allow the cheese to brown for the last 10 minutes.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Bake!