Happy Valentines Day! So, I had this lovely, romantic meal planned out for my husband and I that I was going to share with all of you today, but I just didn’t feel like cooking it! We all have those kinds of days, right? After battling a cold for a few days and having the kids all to myself while Brad was away, I just couldn’t muster the energy to make a more involved meal. Instead, I made one of my old standbys. People, this could not be simpler or more delicious. It’s like an elegant version of mac and cheese and I have been making it for nearly a decade (seriously, I got the recipe from one of my college sorority sisters). This is the dish that I often make to bring to people after they’ve had a baby or are just in need of a comforting home cooked meal. Not that it takes any time to put together, but you could easily make a double batch and throw one in the freezer for just that sort of occasion. I am constantly getting asked for this recipe, and am nearly embarrassed to share it because it is so insanely simple. Please don’t be afraid of the “Caesar” taste, both of my kids (2.5 and 11 months) devour this.
If you are having a “I just don’t feel like cooking” kinda day (even if it is Valentines!), give this one a shot. It’s a tried and true winner!
Chicken Caesar Pasta
1 lb. penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
16 oz. cooked chicken, cubed (I buy the precooked kind)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 oz. chicken broth
12 oz. Caesar dressing (I like Cardini’s or Newman’s Own)
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients in a large baking dish, stir to combine, and bake for about 25 minutes.
Definitely one of my favorite and simplest recipes of yours! Freezes great and even a single batch is enough for two meals. I even use the Cardini’s Light Caesar.
Ugh, I don’t feel like cooking tonight. AT ALL. I want this pasta though. Do you deliver? 😉
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Skinny No-Bake Mocha Cheesecakes #LightIcedCoffee
If you bring dessert, I’ll bring dinner.
omg! Its like you read my mind! I was just looking for a recipe for chicken caesar pasta last week! I can’t wait to try this!!
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats recently posted..Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini
You will love it! I know it sounds kinda strange, but it is so good! It seriously is one of my most requested recipes. And great minds think alike!
Oh…this looks so good and is definitely my favorite when it comes to “not feel like cooking”.
This is so simple yet comforting. 
Yum….and my kids love this kind of pasta too.
Amy Tong recently posted..Classic Crème Brûlée
Thanks Amy! It’s always good to have something that is both easy to put together and your whole family will enjoy.
We eat Caesar salad at least once a week around here. It’s so easy to make and everyone loves it. I’m totally going to throw a twist and make this, I’m pretty sure they won’t object!! YUM.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Milk Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Cookies
Hope everyone loves it as much as we do! No one seems to turn down a cheesy pasta dish around here.
Yum! love combining the best of both worlds! 😉
katie recently posted..{Giveaway} KitchenAid® Waffle Baker
Agreed! Thanks Katie!
Cheese and pasta, what’s not to love? Funny, my simple recipe for those “don’t feel like cooking” nights also involves Caesar dressing and pasta.
Melissa recently posted..Weekend Recap – 2.18.13
Agreed – you can’t go wrong with cheese and pasta!
It looks and must be delicious
I’m really a fan of creamy cheese sauces so I’m sure I’ll make it one day.
Thanks! It’s super delicious!
I was just wondering what kind of cooked chicken strips did you use in the recipe?? I can’t wait to try it
I have not really bought cooked strips. Please can u recommend a good brand?
Thanks
Do you know how many calories there are per serving?