There’s something about creamy, garlicky pasta that feels like an instant hug at the end of a long day—especially when it comes together in just one skillet. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet delivers all the rich, tangy goodness of a Caesar salad, but in comforting, weeknight dinner form. With juicy, lemon-pepper marinated chicken, silky pasta, and a velvety sauce made from Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and garlic, it’s an indulgent meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. If you’re craving flavor but don’t want to juggle five pans and twenty ingredients, this one’s about to be your new go-to.
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet: A One-Pan Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet is a one-pan dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes. Featuring marinated lemon pepper chicken, angel hair pasta, and a garlicky Caesar-Parmesan sauce, it’s an easy and flavorful weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Caesar salad dressing, divided
3/4 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 ounces angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon capers
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner, even pieces. Season both sides generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
2. Place the chicken in a sealed bag or shallow dish and coat with 3/4 cup of the Caesar dressing. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup Caesar dressing with the milk. Set aside so it can come closer to room temperature.
4. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep skillet or pot. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate and let rest, then slice into strips.
5. Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Slowly stir in the milk and dressing mixture and bring to a gentle boil.
7. Add the angel hair pasta, gently pressing it into the liquid as it softens. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the capers. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, tossing until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
9. Return the sliced chicken to the pan along with the lemon juice. Stir to combine and warm through.
10. Finish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute spaghetti or linguine for angel hair pasta, but adjust cook time as needed.
To lighten the recipe, use a yogurt-based Caesar dressing and non-dairy milk.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: One-pot stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet
When it comes to fast dinners, few recipes check every box—quick, flavorful, hearty, and family-approved. But this Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet rises to the occasion with bold flavor and effortless execution. The Caesar dressing does the heavy lifting, giving the sauce a punchy tang while also serving as a shortcut for serious depth.
One of the biggest wins here is the minimal cleanup. Everything from searing the chicken to simmering the pasta happens in one deep skillet or pot, making this a dream for busy nights. There’s no need to drain water, pre-cook the pasta, or fuss with side dishes unless you want to.
It’s also incredibly crowd-pleasing. The flavors are familiar—think creamy chicken Alfredo meets Caesar salad—but there’s a brightness from the lemon juice and capers that cuts through the richness. It’s a perfect balance of cozy and fresh, and it comes together in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients that Make this Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet Shine
What sets this recipe apart is how each ingredient layers flavor without adding complexity. It starts with chicken breasts—simple, lean, and versatile—but the real magic begins the moment they’re seasoned and marinated. Lemon pepper adds citrusy depth, while the Caesar dressing acts as a quick brine, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with garlicky goodness.
The Caesar dressing itself is a star player. Choose one you love because its flavor dominates the sauce. Whether store-bought or homemade, it should be bold, creamy, and well-balanced. You’ll use it in the marinade and the sauce, which keeps everything cohesive.
Angel hair pasta is ideal for quick-cooking, one-pot recipes like this. It softens fast, absorbs the broth and dressing mixture beautifully, and creates that luxurious, silky texture without needing a separate pot. Parmesan cheese and capers round out the flavor profile—one creamy and nutty, the other salty and tangy—while garlic, butter, and lemon juice create layers of richness and brightness.
Cooking the Perfect Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet
The first step is all about building flavor. Slicing the chicken breasts horizontally helps them cook faster and more evenly. After seasoning them with lemon pepper, a quick 20-minute soak in Caesar dressing transforms the texture, making the chicken juicy and deeply flavorful once seared.
Searing the chicken in olive oil until golden-brown develops that irresistible crust. Once it’s cooked through, you’ll set it aside and use the same pan to melt butter and gently toast minced garlic. This step is quick—just a minute—but it infuses the base of the sauce with deep aromatic notes.
Deglazing the pan with chicken broth not only lifts the browned bits (hello, flavor!) but also creates a savory foundation for the sauce. Stirring in the remaining Caesar dressing mixed with milk transforms the liquid into a creamy, cohesive base. As the pasta cooks directly in the skillet, it soaks up every bit of that flavorful sauce, creating a luxurious texture that clings to every strand.
Parmesan is added off-heat to prevent curdling, followed by the bright punch of lemon juice and briny capers. Once the chicken is sliced and added back in, the dish becomes something special—creamy, savory, and layered with umami.
Tips, Swaps, and Shortcuts for Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet
If you don’t have angel hair pasta on hand, spaghetti or fettuccine can work, though they’ll need a slightly longer simmer time. Just be sure to stir frequently and adjust the liquid if needed. The sauce is forgiving and adapts well to minor changes.
To lighten things up, try using a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing or substitute half the dressing with plain Greek yogurt. You can also swap the milk for an unsweetened non-dairy alternative if needed, though full-fat varieties yield the best creaminess.
Pressed for time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip the marinating step. Simply warm the shredded chicken in the sauce before serving. You’ll lose a bit of the depth from the lemon pepper marinade, but it’s still delicious.
Want to switch things up next time? Try using grilled chicken leftovers from your Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta to give the dish a smoky twist. It’s a great way to repurpose cooked protein into something completely new.
What to Serve with Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet
This pasta is a meal on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can round out the experience without much extra work. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette echoes the bright notes in the dish and adds a fresh crunch. Of course, a traditional Caesar salad is never out of place if you want to double down on the theme.
Garlic bread or a toasted baguette is always a win with creamy pasta. The crusty texture is perfect for swiping up the sauce, especially toward the bottom of the skillet when all those garlicky, cheesy bits settle.
For something heartier, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta if you’re cooking for a larger crowd. The lemon flavors tie the two dishes together beautifully.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet
One of the best things about this skillet dinner is how well it stores. You can prep the chicken the night before by slicing and marinating it, which shaves off 20 minutes the next day. The rest of the dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for after-work cooking.
Once cooked, leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days. The key to reheating is gently warming the pasta over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid high heat, which can cause the dressing-based sauce to separate.
If you’re thinking of freezing it, know that the texture might shift slightly due to the dairy and dressing combo. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days. That said, if you do freeze it, reheat slowly and stir well to bring the sauce back together.
FAQ: Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet
What is the best Caesar dressing to use in a Chicken Caesar pasta recipe?
Choose a bold, creamy Caesar dressing with strong garlic and anchovy notes. Store-bought versions like Ken’s or Brianna’s are reliable, but if you have a homemade favorite, use that for ultimate flavor control.
Can I turn this into a Chicken Caesar pasta bake?
Absolutely. Once the skillet portion is done, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly. It adds a crispy top layer and makes it perfect for potlucks or make-ahead meals.
What kind of pasta works best in a skillet recipe like this?
Angel hair pasta is ideal because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. But thin spaghetti, linguine, or even short pasta like penne can work—just adjust the cook time and liquid accordingly.
How do I keep the sauce from separating when reheating?
Reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir continuously and avoid microwaving on high, which can cause the emulsion to break.
Conclusion: Why Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
The Chicken Caesar Pasta Skillet proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s rich without being heavy, fast without feeling rushed, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with ingredients you likely already have. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or a casual weekend dinner, this dish satisfies on every level. From the garlicky Parmesan sauce to the tender chicken and bright lemon finish, each bite is layered with comfort, ease, and just a hint of indulgence. Once you’ve made it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation—because this skillet really is that good.
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