Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with our Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta with Peas and Bacon. Elevate your traditional pasta night with this luscious recipe that combines tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, all enveloped in a creamy Caesar sauce. This dish, topped with a crunchy crouton finish, is an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that is sure to satisfy and impress. Perfect for family gatherings or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon
Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
3 (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
Mrs. Dash table blend seasoning
1 teaspoon
Light cream cheese
5 1/3 ounces (softened)
Caesar salad dressing
1/2 cup
1% low-fat milk
1 cup
Vermicelli
12 ounces
Bacon, fully cooked & low sodium
4 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Croutons
1/2 cup (crushed)
Frozen baby peas
3 cups (microwaved and heated)
Instructions
1
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil for the pasta.
2
In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan as you cut. Season the chicken with Mrs. Dash table blend seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
3
Reduce the heat to low and add the light cream cheese, Caesar salad dressing, and 1% low-fat milk to the pan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
4
Meanwhile, add the vermicelli pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and cook according to the package instructions, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, until al dente.
5
Place the slices of bacon on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 1 minute to crisp, then set aside to cool. Once cool, slice and crumble the bacon.
6
Place the frozen baby peas in a microwave-safe dish, cover them, and cook on high for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through. Let stand for a minute.
7
Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with hot water. Allow to drain well, then return the pasta to the pot. Cover the pot to keep warm, off the heat.
8
To serve, place the warm pasta in individual bowls or on plates, and pour the creamy chicken and Caesar sauce over the top. Garnish with the crumbled bacon, crushed croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor of Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta?
This dish features a fusion of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet peas in a luscious, creamy Caesar sauce topped with crunchy croutons.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of vermicelli pasta, cooked until al dente.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Cut three boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces before cooking.
What seasoning is recommended for the chicken?
The chicken should be seasoned with one teaspoon of Mrs. Dash table blend seasoning.
How do I make the creamy Caesar sauce?
Combine softened light cream cheese, Caesar salad dressing, and 1% low-fat milk in a skillet over low heat until melted and smooth.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, use 3 cups of frozen baby peas, heated in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes.
How is the bacon prepared?
Microwave 4 slices of fully cooked, low-sodium bacon for about 1 minute until crisp, then crumble it.
What kind of milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of 1% low-fat milk to help create the sauce.
How long does the vermicelli take to cook?
Cook the vermicelli according to package instructions, which is typically about 5 to 7 minutes.
How do I finish the dish for serving?
Garnish the pasta and sauce with crumbled bacon, crushed croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Should the pasta be rinsed?
Yes, after draining the cooked pasta, rinse it with hot water and allow it to drain well.
How much Caesar dressing is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of Caesar salad dressing for the sauce.
What heat setting should be used for the sauce?
Reduce the heat to low when adding the dairy and dressing to ensure the cream cheese melts smoothly without curdling.
Can I use regular olive oil?
The recipe specifies one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil for cooking the chicken.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with a quick cook time for pasta and simple microwave steps for peas and bacon, it is ideal for a fast family meal.
How much cream cheese is required?
Use 5 1/3 ounces of light cream cheese, preferably softened for easier melting.
How do I prepare the crouton garnish?
Take 1/2 cup of croutons and crush them to use as a crunchy topping.
Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Yes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a recommended optional garnish.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving numbers aren't listed, it uses 12 ounces of pasta and 3 chicken breasts, typical for 4 to 6 servings.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or as an impressive meal for guests.
What makes this recipe 'comfort food'?
The combination of creamy sauce, hearty pasta, bacon, and chicken provides a warm and satisfying flavor profile.
Should the peas be cooked with the chicken?
No, the peas should be cooked separately in the microwave and added to the dish later.
How do I know the chicken is done?
Cook the chicken until the pieces are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Can I use different seasonings?
The recipe suggests Mrs. Dash table blend, but you could substitute with your favorite salt-free herb blend.
What is the best way to melt the cream cheese?
Stir continuously over low heat after adding the milk and dressing to the skillet.
Is the bacon low sodium?
The recipe recommends using fully cooked, low-sodium bacon for a healthier balance.
How do I keep the pasta warm?
After rinsing and draining, return the pasta to the pot and cover it to keep it warm off the heat.
What type of peas should I use?
Frozen baby peas are specifically recommended for their sweetness and texture.
Can I substitute the vermicelli?
While vermicelli is suggested, any thin pasta like thin spaghetti or angel hair would work similarly.