My Chicken Caesar Pasta Is an Easy, Creamy Weeknight Winner (2024)

• 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided, plus more for garnish

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 3 cups dried farfalle pasta(about 3 cups)

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons finely chopped drained canned anchovies

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• 1 3/4 cups heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1. Boil water:

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.

2. Meanwhile, cook the chicken:

   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.

   Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, about 3 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, turning as needed, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F, about 8 minutes.

   Remove the chicken from the skillet, set aside on a plate, and loosely cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

   

   

3. Cook the pasta:

   Stir the pasta and 1 tablespoon of the salt into the boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 11 minutes.

   

4. Meanwhile, make the sauce:

   While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same skillet over medium heat (do not wipe the skillet clean). Add the garlic and anchovies and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

   Slowly whisk in the cream, Dijon, and Italian seasoning and use the whisk to scrape any browned bits from the skillet. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

   Remove from the heat and whisk in the Parmesan, lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper until the cheese is melted.

   

   

5. Assemble and serve:

   When pasta is done cooking, drain well. Transfer to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the chicken tenders until fully coated. Garnish with additional Parmesan and black pepper, if desired.

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Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.