Description
Creamy caesar chicken pasta offers a luxurious Italian-inspired comfort meal that melts together tender chicken and rich, velvety sauce. Comfort and flavor dance seamlessly in this one-pot wonder you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Liquid and Dairy Components:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) creamy Caesar dressing
- 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 g) penne or rotini pasta
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed red pepper
- Capers
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly spraying the bottom with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer, then season with garlic powder and lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
- Gently pour chicken broth and Caesar dressing over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover and slow cook on Low for 5 hours or High for 2 1/2 hours until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Add pasta directly into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker, stirring to prevent clumping.
- Continue cooking on High for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes tender and absorbs the sauce.
- Incorporate cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Fold in shredded chicken and fresh parsley, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Finish by sprinkling remaining Parmesan cheese on top and adding optional garnishes before serving.
Notes
- Customize chicken thickness by pounding to even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter version that maintains the creamy, rich texture.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers during the last 15 minutes of cooking to boost nutritional value and add vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg