Home / Uncategorized / Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe

Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe

by
Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta Recipe

– Advertisement –

This Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe takes the classic Caesar salad and elevates it to a creamy, satisfying, low-carb meal. We swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to keep the dish light and keto-friendly, while still packing in all the delicious flavors of a traditional Caesar. With juicy grilled chicken, a rich Caesar dressing, and crisp bacon, this dish will feel indulgent without the carbs. Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, or low-carb lifestyle, this recipe is a perfect fit.

– Advertisement –

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken:

    – Advertisement –

    • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings in to coat evenly. For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the chicken and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes (optional but adds freshness).

  2. Cook the Chicken:

    • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the most reliable way to ensure the chicken is cooked properly.
    • Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

  1. Combine the Ingredients:

    – Advertisement –

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a small amount of water or extra lemon juice to adjust.
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

  2. Chill the Dressing (Optional):

    • For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and use it immediately.
Step 3: Prepare the “Pasta”

  1. Using Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles):

    • Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles (zoodles). If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can simply cut the zucchini into thin strips with a knife or mandolin slicer.
    • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until they soften slightly. Be careful not to overcook them, as zucchini tends to release water and become mushy.
    • Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.

  2. Using Shirataki Noodles:

    • If you prefer shirataki noodles for a more traditional pasta texture, rinse them well under cold water (they come packed in liquid) and drain thoroughly.
    • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the noodles and sauté for 3-5 minutes to dry them out. Shirataki noodles have a natural, slightly rubbery texture, so it’s important to dry them out to get rid of any excess moisture.
    • Set them aside until ready to assemble the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
  1. Cook the Bacon:
    • While preparing the chicken and noodles, cook the bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat. Fry the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and become extra crispy. Once cool, chop it into small pieces and set it aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish

  1. Combine the Zoodles/Shirataki Noodles with Caesar Dressing:

    • In a large mixing bowl, toss the zucchini noodles (or shirataki noodles) with the Caesar dressing. Coat the noodles evenly with the creamy dressing. If the dressing seems too thick, you can add a little bit of water or extra lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.

  2. Add the Chicken:

    • Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the Caesar pasta. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the noodles and dressing.

  3. Add the Bacon and Parmesan:

    • Sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and Caesar noodles. Toss gently to combine.
    • Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan.

  4. Garnish and Serve:

    • Plate the Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta and garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or chives if desired.
    • Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness of this low-carb dish.

Tips and Variations

  1. Add More Vegetables:

    • You can easily bulk up the dish by adding more vegetables. Consider adding sautéed spinach, kale, or arugula for extra greens. Roasted or sautéed bell peppers also pair well with the Caesar dressing.

  2. Substitute Chicken for Another Protein:

    • If you prefer a different protein, feel free to swap the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey, or even roasted salmon. These proteins work wonderfully with the creamy Caesar dressing.

  3. Make It Vegetarian:

    • For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can skip the bacon and opt for a plant-based protein, such as grilled tempeh or tofu. The bacon can be substituted with crispy chickpeas for a crunch element.

  4. Customize the Dressing:

    • If you want a tangier dressing, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or extra lemon juice. You can also adjust the garlic to taste depending on how much you enjoy its flavor. For a more traditional Caesar taste, increase the anchovy paste or add anchovy fillets to the dressing.

  5. Make It Dairy-Free:

    • To make this dish dairy-free, swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative such as nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. For the dressing, use a dairy-free mayonnaise or cashew-based dressing.

  6. Meal Prep:

    • This Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the dressing, chicken, and bacon in advance, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, assemble the dish by mixing the pre-prepped ingredients with fresh zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

  7. Use Store-Bought Noodles:

    • If you want a shortcut, you can also use pre-packaged zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables from the store, which saves time. Alternatively, a low-carb pasta like chickpea pasta or almond flour pasta can be used if you prefer something closer to traditional pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta is filling enough on its own, but you can also serve it with a few sides to make a more complete meal:

  1. Keto Garlic Bread:

    • Serve this dish with a slice of low-carb garlic bread or almond flour bread for a truly indulgent experience.

  2. Mixed Green Salad:

    • A side of simple mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette can complement the richness of the Caesar pasta and provide a refreshing balance to the dish.

  3. Grilled Vegetables:

    • Consider grilling some low-carb vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or broccoli to serve alongside for added flavor and fiber.

  4. Roasted Brussel Sprouts:

    • Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits make a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the Chicken Caesar Pasta.

Conclusion

This Low-Carb Chicken Caesar Pasta is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying dish that keeps all the flavors of a traditional Caesar salad while making it keto-friendly and low-carb. Whether you choose to use zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or another low-carb pasta alternative, this dish offers the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your low-carb repertoire!

Enjoy this rich, savory meal with the goodness of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and all the delicious flavors of the classic Caesar salad, without the carbs!

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), grilled and sliced
  • 2 cups cooked low-carb pasta (e.g., zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or almond flour pasta)
  • 1 ½ cups Caesar dressing (preferably homemade or sugar-free store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling the chicken)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or cook the chicken breasts in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips.
  2. Prepare the Pasta:
    If you’re using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. If you’re using almond flour pasta, boil it according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Combine the Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella (if using). Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Assemble the Dish:
    Add the grilled chicken strips on top of the pasta. Toss in the chopped romaine lettuce and crispy bacon bits, if using. Gently toss everything together to combine.
  5. Serve:
    Divide the pasta mixture into four servings. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, or more crispy bacon bits if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Low-Carb Pasta: If you’re using zucchini noodles, you can sauté them briefly in a skillet to remove excess moisture. Shirataki noodles are a great option because they are virtually carb-free.
  • Chicken: You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time or grill the chicken in advance.
  • Caesar Dressing: Opt for a low-carb or sugar-free Caesar dressing to keep the recipe keto-friendly. If you want a homemade version, blend mayo, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan.
  • Crispy Bacon: Bacon bits are optional but add a great crunch and flavor. You can make crispy bacon at home by cooking slices in the oven or on the stovetop.
  • Flavor Variations: Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of tang and spice.

– Advertisement –

Source link

Leave a Comment