Dinner

Chicken Caesar Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

BySophie Carsel January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

This Chicken Caesar Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with classic Caesar dressing and angel hair pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness.

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with thin, light yellow noodles twisted into tangled layers. Mixed within the pasta are pieces of lightly browned grilled chicken with a slightly crispy texture. Small green capers and tiny bits of herbs are scattered throughout, adding pops of green. A few lemon slices with bright yellow peel rest on top in the background. The pasta is being lifted by a silver fork, showcasing a portion with chicken and noodles. The whole scene is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup Caesar salad dressing (divided)
¾ cup milk
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 1 large)
3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups chicken broth
8 oz. angel hair pasta (equal to ½ lb.)
1 tablespoon capers
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh parsley (roughly chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice each chicken breast in half to create two thinner pieces of equal size. Season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
Step 2: Place the chicken in a freezer Ziploc bag and add ¾ cup of Caesar dressing (reserve ¼ cup for the pasta sauce). Coat the chicken with the dressing, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 20 minutes or longer if possible.
Step 3: Shred the Parmesan cheese and set aside at room temperature for easier melting later.
Step 4: Whisk the reserved ¼ cup of Caesar dressing with ¾ cup of milk and set aside, allowing it to come close to room temperature.
Step 5: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large high-walled skillet or Dutch oven.
Step 6: Add the marinated chicken and sear, undisturbed, for 4-5 minutes on each side. If oil splatters, reduce heat to medium.
Step 7: Remove chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips, and return any juices from the plate back to the skillet.
Step 8: Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 9: Pour in chicken broth and use a spatula to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Slowly stir in the milk and Caesar dressing mixture, then bring to a gentle boil.
Step 10: Add angel hair pasta, gently pushing the noodles into the liquid as they soften. You may break the noodles in half if preferred.
Step 11: Simmer pasta for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until cooked through.
Step 12: Stir in capers, then reduce heat to low.
Step 13: Gradually sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing with tongs to combine. Add the sliced chicken and lemon juice, stirring everything together.
Step 14: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor, even overnight if you have time.
Swap angel hair pasta with fettuccine or penne for a different texture.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra greens and nutrition.
Use homemade Caesar dressing for a fresher, tangier sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish showing several layers: long, thin spaghetti coated in a smooth light yellow sauce sits at the base, mixed with small green capers and bits of chopped herbs. On top of the pasta are thick pieces of grilled chicken with a lightly browned and slightly textured surface. A fork lifts a bite-sized portion of pasta and chicken, with some strands hanging loosely. In the background, a few slices of bright yellow lemon rest on the edge of the white bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while angel hair pasta works well for quick cooking and absorbing sauce, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or penne based on your preference.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in Caesar dressing?

Marinating in Caesar dressing adds extra flavor and moisture to the chicken, but if you’re short on time, seasoning it well and cooking it directly will still yield a tasty dish.