Description
This Creamy Caesar Pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of classic Caesar salad with tender pasta, creating a comforting and easy-to-make meal. Featuring a smooth Parmesan and cream-based sauce, enhanced by garlic and a hint of lemon, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in Caesar dressing and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and fully heated through.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if using. Mix well to combine and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta while warm, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas to boost protein content.
- For a lighter version, substitute Caesar dressing with a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing.
- This pasta is best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
