Chicken Caesar Pasta Pomegranate (Print Version)

Juicy chicken and pomegranate complement crisp romaine and creamy dressing in a colorful, satisfying pasta dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (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 Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with 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. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice 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, mix 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 maintain optimal texture and freshness.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The pomegranate arils add a juicy burst that cuts through the richness in every bite.
  • It comes together in under an hour but feels special enough for company.
  • Leftovers actually taste great cold straight from the fridge the next day.
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining or it will clump into a sticky mass.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing or all the juices will run out and the meat will dry up on you.
  • Toss the dressing on just before serving if making ahead, otherwise the lettuce wilts and the pasta soaks up too much.
03 -
  • Deseed the pomegranate in a bowl of water so the arils sink and the white pith floats, making cleanup effortless.
  • Taste your dressing before tossing and adjust the lemon or garlic to match your mood that day.
  • If the dressing feels too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water or extra lemon juice until it coats a spoon nicely.
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