Name: One Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth; 8 oz thin spaghetti; 2 chicken breasts; 4 cups broccoli florets; 3 garlic cloves; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 1 cup Caesar dressing; ¼ cup parmesan cheese

This delightful recipe merges the savory flavors of chicken caesar salad with the hearty satisfaction of pasta. In it, tender chicken breasts, crisp broccoli florets, and thin spaghetti are simmered in a rich chicken broth. The dish is then tossed in a creamy caesar dressing and dusted with parmesan cheese. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also requires just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Photos of One Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are standard pantry items. However, Caesar dressing might not be a staple in some households. You can find this creamy, tangy dressing in the salad dressing aisle of your local supermarket. If you prefer, you can also make homemade Caesar dressing with mayonnaise, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta

Chicken broth: Used as the cooking liquid, it imparts great flavor to the pasta and chicken.

Thin spaghetti: Thin pasta strands that absorb the broth well and cook quickly.

Chicken breasts: The protein in this dish. Chicken is lean and takes on the flavors of the dish.

Broccoli florets: Adds a veggie component and a pop of color. Broccoli also adds a nice crunch.

Garlic cloves: Gives the dish a savory depth of flavor.

Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and sharpness.

Caesar dressing: Gives the dish its distinctive, creamy Caesar salad flavor.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a bold, salty finish.

One reader, Anna-Maria Mcghee says:

This one-pot chicken caesar pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is so easy to make. The creamy caesar dressing adds a delicious twist, and the broccoli gives it a healthy touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying meal.

Anna-Maria Mcghee

Key Techniques for Mastering One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta

How to cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

How to blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. Quickly remove the broccoli and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

How to grate the parmesan cheese: Use a box grater or a microplane to grate the parmesan cheese into fine shreds. Alternatively, you can use store-bought grated parmesan cheese.

How to cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the thin spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

How To Make One Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta

Try cooking up an appetizing plate of chicken caesar pasta your weeknight meals! It’s all cooked in one pot for a fuss-free, easy dish.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4cupschicken broth
8ozthin spaghetti,broken in half
2chicken breasts,cut into 1-inch cubes
4cupsbroccoli florets
3garlic cloves,minced
½tspkosher salt
¼tsppepper,coarse ground
1cupCaesar dressing
¼cupParmesan cheese,shredded

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven, add the chicken broth, pasta, chicken, garlic, salt and pepper.
Heat and boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium, then cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add in the broccoli, then stir and cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in the Caesar dressing, then cook for 2 minutes longer or until heated through.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 337.68kcal
Fat: 9.63g
Saturated Fat: 3.21g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.69g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.81g
Carbohydrates: 37.13g
Fiber: 1.27g
Sugar: 3.60g
Protein: 24.79g
Cholesterol: 46.13mg
Sodium: 522.71mg
Calcium: 118.55mg
Potassium: 547.08mg
Iron: 1.76mg
Vitamin A: 99.38µg
Vitamin C: 44.90mg

Crucial Technique for Perfecting This Pasta Dish

When cooking the chicken and pasta together, it's important to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Also, adding the broccoli towards the end of the cooking process helps it retain its vibrant green color and crunch. For a creamier texture, you can add more caesar dressing according to your preference. Remember, the key to a good one-pot dish is to balance the flavors and textures while ensuring everything is cooked perfectly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, marinate meat, and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishwashing and utilize one pot for cooking, reducing cleanup time.

Multitask: While one component is cooking, use that time to prep other ingredients or clean up to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Efficient tools: Invest in kitchen gadgets like a food processor or mandoline to speed up prep work and save time.

Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes to have ready-made components for future meals, cutting down on cooking time.

Substitute Ingredients For One Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe

chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
thin spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine can be used as a substitute for thin spaghetti as it has a similar texture and shape, and will work well in the recipe.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts to make the dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower florets can be used as a substitute for broccoli florets as they have a similar texture and will work well in the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for garlic cloves if fresh garlic is not available.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt as it provides a similar level of saltiness.
caesar dressing - Substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and anchovy paste: A mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and anchovy paste can be used as a healthier substitute for caesar dressing.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan cheese as it has a similar sharp and salty flavor.

How to Plate and Present One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta

Elevate the plating: Arrange the pasta and chicken in a circular motion on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and basil over the dish to add a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate texture: Add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top of the pasta for a delightful crunch.
Utilize edible flowers: Place a few delicate chive flowers or nasturtiums on the plate for an elegant and sophisticated touch.
Consider the plate shape: Opt for a wide, shallow bowl or a rectangular plate to showcase the beautiful arrangement of the dish.
Balance the colors: Ensure a harmonious balance of green from the broccoli, creamy white from the pasta, and golden brown from the chicken for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Drizzle caesar dressing artistically: Use a squeeze bottle to create a decorative drizzle of caesar dressing around the edge of the plate for a professional touch.
Add a touch of luxury: Shave thin slices of truffle over the dish to impart a luxurious aroma and flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Large Dutch oven: A large, heavy-duty pot used for cooking a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, and pasta.
Tongs: Long-handled, gripping utensils used for flipping, turning, and serving food.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Wooden spoon: A sturdy, versatile cooking utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food.
Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and reheating food.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta

Allow the one-pot chicken caesar pasta to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you plan to freeze the pasta, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen one-pot chicken caesar pasta:
- Remove the desired portion from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Note that the texture of the broccoli may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.

Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta

Reheat the leftover one-pot chicken caesar pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the pasta seems dry.
For a quick and easy method, place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through.
To reheat the pasta in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until it's heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the leftover pasta. Place the pasta in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a stovetop method that adds extra flavor, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. You can also add some extra parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh twist.

Interesting Trivia About Chicken Caesar Pasta

Chicken Caesar Pasta is a popular dish that combines the flavors of a classic Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and chicken. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with different vegetables, proteins, and dressings to suit individual tastes.

Budget-Friendly: Is One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this chicken caesar pasta recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, broccoli, and spaghetti, are generally affordable and readily available. The recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $15-$20, depending on the prices of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10. This recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful meal at a reasonable cost, making it a practical choice for home cooking.

Is This Chicken Caesar Pasta Dish Healthy or Not?

This one-pot chicken caesar pasta recipe has some healthy elements, but it also has room for improvement. The dish includes:

Chicken breast, a lean protein source
Broccoli, a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals
Garlic, which has potential health benefits like boosting the immune system

However, there are a few concerns:

The recipe relies on store-bought caesar dressing, which can be high in calories, fat, and sodium
The dish may be high in sodium due to the added salt and the sodium content in the chicken broth and caesar dressing
The recipe uses refined pasta, which is less nutritious than whole-grain alternatives

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the store-bought caesar dressing for a homemade version using Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a small amount of olive oil. This will reduce the calorie, fat, and sodium content while adding a protein boost from the yogurt.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
Opt for whole-grain or legume-based pasta to increase the fiber and nutrient content. These alternatives will also help you feel fuller for longer.
Increase the amount of broccoli or add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the dish's nutrient profile and add more volume without significantly increasing calories.
Use a combination of parmesan cheese and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with added B vitamins and less saturated fat.

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This One-Pot Pasta Recipe

This one-pot chicken caesar pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of chicken broth infuses the pasta with rich, savory notes, while the addition of broccoli adds a fresh and vibrant element. The caesar dressing brings a creamy and tangy dimension to the dish, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and al dente spaghetti. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pot makes this recipe a convenient and time-saving option for a delicious weeknight meal. The finishing touch of parmesan cheese adds a satisfying umami flavor. Overall, this recipe is a winner in terms of taste, convenience, and ease of preparation.

Enhance Your One Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Create a delicious garlic bread with a twist by adding roasted garlic and parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Roasted Vegetables: Whip up a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with herbs and olive oil for a healthy and vibrant side dish.

Fruit Salad: Prepare a refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, drizzled with a honey-lime dressing for a sweet and tangy accompaniment to the chicken caesar pasta.

Similar One-Pot Pasta Recipes to Try

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: This creamy and flavorful chicken dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Add a tropical twist to your chicken dish with this vibrant and refreshing mango salsa. The sweet and tangy flavors of the mango complement the savory chicken perfectly.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This healthy and colorful salad is packed with roasted vegetables and protein-rich quinoa. It's a satisfying and nutritious meal that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Berry Cobbler: Indulge in the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh berries with this classic cobbler recipe. The buttery, golden crust pairs perfectly with the warm, bubbling berries for a delightful dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Suggestions for One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a delectable appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters by combining shredded zucchini with flour, eggs, and seasonings. Pan-fry until golden brown and serve with a side of creamy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of sweet strawberry sauce for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this One Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe:

This recipe is a must-try for all chicken and pasta lovers. The combination of tender chicken breasts and al dente spaghetti cooked in flavorful chicken broth guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal. The addition of broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also provides essential nutrients. The creamy Caesar dressing brings a burst of flavor, while the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful finishing touch. Trust the simplicity and deliciousness of this one-pot Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe for a delightful dining experience.

Want to share your experience making this One Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe or have any tips to enhance the flavors? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's talk about it!

FAQ:

What is the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

I recommend cooking the chicken breasts whole in the chicken broth. This will infuse the chicken with flavor and keep it moist and tender.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth and chicken with vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version.

Can I use a homemade Caesar dressing instead of store-bought?

Of course! Using homemade Caesar dressing will add a fresh and personalized touch to the dish. Just ensure the dressing is well-balanced and flavorful to complement the other ingredients.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the Caesar dressing and chicken broth are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of the one-pot chicken Caesar pasta.