Description

This dish is everything you love about a Caesar salad, now in pasta form! Tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a lighter creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and mayo. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta & Veggies:

12 oz (≈340g) pasta (bowties, rotini, or penne)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Protein:

1 lb cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded

For the Sauce:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Lots of freshly cracked black pepper

For Serving / Garnish:

Shaved Parmesan
Optional: chopped parsley, extra black pepper

Chef’s Tips / Swaps:

Vegetarian: Omit chicken; add chickpeas or white beans for protein.
Seafood: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or canned tuna.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-free: Use vegan Parmesan and egg-free mayo.

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta & Broccoli

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
2 minutes before pasta is done, add broccoli florets to the pot.
Drain pasta and broccoli together, return to pot, drizzle with olive oil, and toss.

Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case your sauce needs thinning later.

2. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Toss Pasta & Sauce

Pour the sauce over hot pasta and broccoli.
Toss until everything is evenly coated.
If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water.

4. Add Chicken

Gently fold in sliced or shredded chicken.
Make sure chicken, pasta, and broccoli are evenly distributed.

5. Serve & Garnish

Serve warm, topped with shaved Parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper.
Optional: sprinkle chopped parsley or chives for color.

Notes

Garlic too strong? Sauté it for 30 seconds in olive oil before adding to sauce.
Make-ahead: Cool completely, store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk.
Extra veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or kale with the broccoli.
Bacon lover’s twist: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top before serving.