Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Crispy Chicken Caesar Pasta combining crunchy air-fried chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, tender fettuccine, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper (divided)
- 1 ½ cups Caesar dressing (divided)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta noodles
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season each piece on both sides with salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to enhance flavor before breading.
- Coat Chicken: Pour ½ cup Caesar dressing into a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning. Dip each chicken piece first into the Caesar dressing, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat. Shake off any excess crumbs.
- Air Fry Chicken: Place coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip chicken, spray again, and air fry for an additional 6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add fettuccine noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Before draining pasta, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and return it to the pot over medium-low heat. Stir in the remaining 1 cup Caesar dressing and the reserved pasta water. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon black pepper, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and spinach wilts, creating a creamy sauce coating the noodles.
- Serve: Slice the crispy chicken and arrange on top of the dressed pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure chicken pieces are well coated and spray them lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed for a creamy finish.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness but are optional.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on air fryer model; ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe can be adapted by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
