📖 Introduction
This baked Caesar chicken recipe takes a favorite salad dressing and transforms it into a flavorful marinade and sauce. When baked, the Caesar dressing becomes rich and tangy, and the added Parmesan cheese forms a delicious golden crust. Paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish is a hearty and indulgent meal. Best of all? It’s super simple to make and comes together in under an hour.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Baked Caesar Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
👨🍳 Instructions
🔥 Baked Caesar Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Season: Sprinkle with garlic powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add dressing & cheese: Spread Caesar dressing over the chicken, then top evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C) and the top is golden.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍝 Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- Make sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese: Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate pasta with a baked chicken breast on top or on the side.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Top with additional Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
- Add a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- A glass of chilled white wine (like Chardonnay) pairs beautifully with this dish.
📝 Method Summary
- Prep & Season Chicken → Add dressing & cheese → Bake.
- Boil Pasta → Make creamy sauce → Combine.
- Plate and Serve → Garnish and enjoy!