Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Penne Pasta
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup Caesar dressing
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Penne Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow bowl, combine Caesar dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Coat the chicken: Coat each chicken breast in the Caesar dressing mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then press the chicken into the panko-Parmesan mixture, coating it on all sides. Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
Prepare the pasta: While the chicken is baking, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Place the creamy Parmesan penne pasta on plates and top with the baked Caesar chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4