Chicken Caesar Pasta Pomegranate (Printable)

A colorful dish blending grilled chicken, crisp greens, and pomegranate jewels for a fresh, flavorful meal.

# 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. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under 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 cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
04 - In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta, chopped Romaine, sliced chicken, and half of the pomegranate arils. Pour dressing over and mix until evenly coated.
05 - Divide salad onto plates. Top with croutons, shaved Parmesan, remaining pomegranate arils, and chopped parsley if desired.
06 - Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The pomegranate adds bursts of brightness that make every bite feel unexpected and special.
  • It's deceptively simple but tastes restaurant-worthy, which means you'll actually make it again.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad more than 10 minutes ahead, or the lettuce will wilt and the pasta will absorb all the liquid.
  • Pomegranate arils are delicate—add most of them just before serving so they don't macerate into the dressing.
03 -
  • Chill your serving bowls for 5 minutes before plating—it keeps the salad fresher longer and makes it feel more intentional.
  • If you're cooking for a crowd, prep the components separately and let guests assemble their own bowls so everyone gets exactly what they want.
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