Transform your favorite salad into a comforting, bubbling baked dinner with this delicious chicken Caesar pasta casserole.
It combines tender pasta, savory chicken, and a creamy Caesar sauce, all finished off with a golden, crunchy topping of croutons and melted cheese. It is an effortless weeknight meal that tastes gourmet.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)
- 1 large skinless, boneless chicken breast (or use 1.5 cups of pre-cooked leftover or rotisserie chicken)
- 3/4 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing (avoid vinaigrette styles)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh green onions, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and sharp white Cheddar cheese blend
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation and Oven Setup
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Lightly grease a standard 2-quart casserole baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, salt generously, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture (firm to the bite), usually about 8 to 11 minutes.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken
- While the pasta is boiling, place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the skinless, boneless chicken breast for about 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until completely cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, and then chop it into bite-sized cubes. (Tip: You can skip this step entirely if using shredded rotisserie chicken.)
4. Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, chopped chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, chicken broth, chopped green onions, and half of the mozzarella and Cheddar cheese blend. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
5. Add the Topping
- Scatter the croutons evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella-Cheddar blend and the shredded Parmesan cheese over the croutons to help lock them in place and create a gooey crust.
6. Bake and Serve
- Place the casserole dish uncovered in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling around the edges, and the croutons turn a rich golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Expert Cooking Tips
Keep the Crunch
If you prefer your croutons extra crunchy, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking rather than at the very beginning.
Dressing Choice
Stick to thick, creamy refrigerated or shelf-stable Caesar dressings. Avoid thin Caesar vinaigrettes, as they will make the casserole watery instead of rich.
Time-Saver
Utilize leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken to cut down active prep time significantly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 549 | – |
| Total Fat | 37g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 48% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1087mg | 47% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 3g | – |
| Protein | 23g | 47% |
| Calcium | 304mg | 23% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 206mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values may vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used.
