Pin it Last Tuesday my kitchen smelled like garlic and olive oil while I stood over the stove watching chicken sizzle. I had forgotten to defrost anything for dinner and this recipe saved me with ingredients I always keep stocked. The pasta was already bubbling away when I realized how perfectly the warm chicken would play against cool crisp romaine.
My roommate walked in mid toss and immediately asked for a bowl. The crunch of croutons against tender pasta and juicy chicken made her pause after her first bite. Now it is the one recipe she actually requests by name.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pound them slightly for even cooking and better tenderness
- 250 g short pasta: Penne or rotini catch the dressing best in every forkful
- 1 large head romaine lettuce: Chill it well so it stays crisp when tossed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: They add bursts of sweetness that cut through the rich Caesar
- 120 ml Caesar dressing: Homemade or store bought both work beautifully here
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan: The real stuff melts slightly against warm pasta
- 1 cup garlic croutons: Make your own from stale bread for the best crunch
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Use this for brushing the chicken before grilling
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth to the chicken without fresh garlic burning
- ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper: Season the chicken generously before cooking
Instructions
- Get your pasta going first:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente then drain it but do not rinse that starch helps the dressing cling later.
- Fire up the grill:
- Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium high heat until it is hot enough to make the chicken sizzle immediately on contact.
- Season and grill the chicken:
- Brush chicken with olive oil then coat with garlic powder salt and pepper. Grill 6 to 7 minutes per side until juices run clear and let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Build your bowl:
- Toss cooled pasta with romaine tomatoes and Caesar dressing in a large bowl. Top with sliced chicken Parmesan croutons and extra black pepper.
Pin it This became my go to for lazy Sunday meal prep because everything stays fresh for days. There is something satisfying about pulling a container from the fridge and having restaurant quality lunch ready to go.
Make It Yours
I have swapped grilled shrimp for chicken on hot summer days when I wanted something lighter. The combination still works because the Caesar dressing ties everything together so well.
Temperature Magic
Serving this warm creates a comforting dinner while chilling it for 30 minutes transforms it into a refreshing lunch. Both ways work but the contrast of hot chicken against cool lettuce is something special.
Perfecting The Bowl
Layer the ingredients instead of tossing everything together if you want it to look restaurant worthy. Start with romaine on the bottom then pile pasta chicken and toppings on top in sections.
- Warm the pasta slightly before tossing if your vegetables are very cold
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving to brighten everything
- Grate extra Parmesan over the top right at the table for that fancy finish
Pin it This bowl has saved more weeknights than I can count and never fails to make me feel like I have my life together. Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that stick around the longest.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the components separately and combine them just before serving. Store the grilled chicken, cooked pasta, and chopped lettuce in separate containers. Add dressing and toppings right before eating to maintain crispness and texture.
- → How do I keep the lettuce crisp if serving chilled?
Dry the romaine thoroughly after chopping and store it separately from dressing. Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming wilted. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this bowl?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or farfalle work wonderfully because they trap the dressing and distribute flavors evenly. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which can be harder to mix and eat in a bowl format.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely. Grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks in 2-3 minutes per side, while firm tofu needs 3-4 minutes per side to develop a golden exterior.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before grilling, use medium-high heat to develop a flavorful crust, and avoid overcooking. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- → What dressing alternatives pair well with this bowl?
Beyond classic Caesar, try lemon vinaigrette, garlic herb dressing, or a light balsamic glaze. For creamier options, ranch or Greek yogurt-based dressings complement the grilled chicken and pasta beautifully.