Save to Pinterest The first time I made this bowl was on a Tuesday night when I needed something that felt like takeout but used what I already had in the fridge. The combination of warm grilled chicken against cool crisp romaine became this perfect textural contrast that I honestly still think about.
My roommate walked in while I was tossing everything together and immediately asked for a bowl. The way the Caesar dressing clings to the pasta while still coating the lettuce is something I discovered by accident when I was too lazy to make separate sides.
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Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Grilling these adds that beautiful char that you just cannot get from baked chicken and it makes such a difference in the final bowl
- 250 g short pasta: I love how penne or rotini catches the dressing in all those little crevices and holds onto the Parmesan
- 1 large head romaine lettuce: The crunch here is non negotiable and it stands up to the warm pasta without wilting too quickly
- 120 ml Caesar dressing: This is what ties everything together so do not be shy with it
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts into the warm pasta and creates these little salty pockets throughout
- 1 cup garlic croutons: These provide that essential garlicky crunch that makes a Caesar taste like a Caesar
- 1 tbsp olive oil and seasonings: A simple marinade that goes a long way in building flavor from the outside in
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Instructions
- Cook your pasta to perfection:
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta until its al dente then drain and let it cool just slightly so it is not steaming hot when you assemble the bowl
- Get the chicken going:
- While the pasta works heat your grill pan or skillet over medium high and brush the chicken with olive oil then season generously
- Grill until beautiful:
- Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until you see gorgeous grill marks and the juices run clear then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing
- Build your bowl:
- Toss the cooked pasta with chopped romaine cherry tomatoes if you are using them and Caesar dressing until everything is coated
- Finish with the good stuff:
- Top with sliced chicken a shower of Parmesan croutons and freshly ground black pepper then dig in
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become my go to for feeding friends because everyone can customize their bowl with more or less dressing or extra toppings. It is one of those meals that makes people feel taken care of without you spending hours in the kitchen.
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Serving It Two Ways
I have served this warm right off the grill and cold the next day for lunch and both ways are incredible. The warm version feels more comforting while the cold version tastes like the most sophisticated pasta salad you have ever had.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add grilled shrimp or even crispy chickpeas for extra protein. The beauty of this bowl is that it works with whatever you have on hand while still tasting completely put together.
Getting The Balance Right
The ratio of pasta to lettuce is something I have played with a lot and I find equal parts works best. You want every bite to have that creamy dressing crisp greens and satisfying pasta all at once.
- Chill your bowl for 10 minutes before serving if you want that restaurant style cold presentation
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving to brighten everything up
- Toast your own croutons from day old bread for the best texture ever
Save to Pinterest This is the bowl I turn to when I want something that feels special but does not require me to be anything resembling a professional chef. It is just honest good food that happens to look beautiful too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare all components in advance and store separately. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the romaine and croutons.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal as they hold the creamy dressing well and provide satisfying texture in each bite.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressed portions separate from croutons to maintain crunchiness.
- → Can I grill the chicken outdoors?
Yes, outdoor grilling works perfectly. Grill over medium-high heat for the same timing, 6–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → What protein alternatives can I use?
Grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or crispy tofu work beautifully as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly and season with the same garlic and pepper blend.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Excellent for meal prep. Portion into containers with pasta and chicken on one side, romaine on the other, and pack dressing separately to keep everything fresh.
