Easy Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta

My chicken Caesar pasta has become our family’s weeknight hero! You’ll fall in love with how this creamy, garlicky dish transforms ordinary pasta night into something special.

I created this recipe when my kids were craving Caesar salad but wanted something more filling – and it’s been our go-to comfort meal ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta

This chicken Caesar pasta delivers all your favorite Caesar flavors in one satisfying bowl.

I love how the creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta perfectly, while tender chicken makes it hearty enough for dinner.

You can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table in under an hour, and my family devours it every single time!

This chicken Caesar pasta is one of my go-to favorites, but I also adore making Easy Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet and Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta. They’re always a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients You Need for Chicken Caesar Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional but recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• Croutons for garnish

My Kitchen Notes: I always use freshly grated Parmesan – it melts so much better than pre-shredded! If you can’t find anchovy paste, you can finely mince 2-3 anchovy fillets.

Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the entire dish beautifully.

How to Make This creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. I always save about ½ cup of pasta water before draining – you might need it later for the sauce!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken While pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Caesar Sauce In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Bring It All Together Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then toss in your drained pasta. Add lemon juice and gently fold everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve with Love I like to fold in fresh chopped romaine just before serving – it adds such a nice crunch! Top with extra Parmesan, croutons, and a crack of fresh black pepper.

My Tips for this Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe

Don’t overcook your chicken – I use a meat thermometer to be sure! Cut your chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

When making the sauce, keep the heat at medium to prevent the cream from breaking. I always add the cheese off the heat to keep it silky smooth.

Fresh romaine added at the end gives you that classic Caesar crunch without wilting.

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Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! I’ve made this with penne, rigatoni, and even fettuccine.

Any pasta that holds sauce well will work beautifully. My kids love it with bowtie pasta too!

Can I make this Pasta ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh and combining everything just before serving.

The pasta tends to absorb the sauce if it sits too long.

What if I don’t like anchovies?

The anchovy paste adds authentic Caesar flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer. I’d suggest adding an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to maintain that umami depth.

Can I lighten this recipe?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

I’ve also used Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk for a lighter version that my health-conscious friends love.

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My Favorite Serving Suggestions

I serve this chicken Caesar pasta with crusty garlic bread and a simple side salad for the perfect family dinner. It’s wonderful for Sunday meal prep too – my husband takes leftovers to work all week!

For entertaining, I set out extra Parmesan, croutons, and lemon wedges so guests can customize their bowls. This dish is comfort food at its finest!