Chicken Caesar Pasta Pomegranate (Print Version)

Tender chicken and pasta combined with zesty dressing, crisp greens, and juicy pomegranate arils for vibrant flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Pasta

05 - 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

→ Vegetables & Garnish

06 - 1 small head Romaine lettuce, chopped
07 - 1 cup pomegranate arils (from about 1 medium pomegranate)
08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

→ Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
12 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
13 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
14 - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
15 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

17 - 1/2 cup croutons
18 - 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 - Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
03 - Whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, and half of the pomegranate arils. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
05 - Divide the mixture among plates. Top with croutons, shaved Parmesan, remaining pomegranate arils, and chopped parsley if desired.
06 - Serve immediately to retain optimal texture and flavor.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The pomegranate adds a surprising pop of sweetness that keeps your palate interested through every bite.
  • You can have it on the table in under 45 minutes, which means weeknight entertaining actually feels doable.
  • It looks impressive enough to serve at a casual dinner party without any fussy techniques.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad more than 15 minutes ahead or the lettuce will wilt and the croutons will soften into sad crumbs.
  • If you use rotisserie chicken to save time, shred it instead of slicing it—it distributes more evenly through the pasta and feels less separate from the rest of the dish.
03 -
  • Make the dressing a few hours ahead and let it sit in the fridge—the flavors deepen and become more integrated, and you'll have one less thing to do when people are about to arrive.
  • Keep the components separate until the last moment, then assemble in front of your guests if you want that theatrical element of everything coming together at once.
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