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Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pasta with Creamy Pesto


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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Ingredients You’ll Need. Juicy herb-marinated grilled chicken, crispy roasted baby potatoes, and al dente penne tossed in a silky pesto cream sauce—layered into one satisfying bowl.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Grilled Herb Chicken

  • 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Roasted Baby Potatoes

  • 2 cups baby potatoes, halved (about 400 g)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Creamy Pesto Pasta

  • 2 cups penne pasta (dry) (about 200 g)
  • 1/2 cup rich heavy cream (or 100 ml)
  • 3 Tbsp good-quality pesto sauce
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken & prep potatoes: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate 10 minutes. Heat oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Roast potatoes: Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.
  3. Cook pasta: Boil penne in generously salted water until al dente (9–11 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water; drain.
  4. Grill herb chicken: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high. Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until 74°C (165°F) internal. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  5. Make creamy pesto sauce: In the pasta pot, warm heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in pesto and Parmesan until smooth. Loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Assemble bowls: Toss pasta with sauce. Serve topped with sliced grilled chicken and roasted potatoes. Garnish with extra Parmesan, herbs, or lemon wedges.

Notes

Pro tip: Work in parallel—potatoes in the oven first, pasta boiling while chicken grills, then finish sauce in the pasta pot. Reserve pasta water for a silky emulsion.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Pasta
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 780
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Protein: 55