Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pasta

Juicy grilled herb-marinated chicken, golden roasted potatoes, and al dente penne all tossed in a creamy pesto sauce might be the most comforting meal you bowl up. This layered pasta is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet fresh—each bite is balanced with creamy, herby, and savory notes.

The first time I made this for my partner’s birthday, he went back for seconds and declared it better than our favorite trattoria.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: brings lean protein and stays juicy with a quick herb marinade choose plump fillets for best results
• Olive oil: helps everything caramelize and adds Mediterranean flavor go for extra virgin for richness
• Italian seasoning and fresh parsley: layers in herbal complexity use a mix with plenty of oregano and basil
• Fresh garlic: sharpens up the flavor choose firm heavy cloves
• Lemon juice: adds a quick zing to keep the chicken bright only use freshly squeezed
• Salt and black pepper: balance and amplify flavor always use freshly ground pepper
• Baby potatoes: for crispy roasted bites stick to small waxy varieties like red or Yukon gold
• Garlic powder: boosts potato flavor and roasted depth choose a pure version without fillers
• Smoked paprika: rounds out the potatoes with a subtle warmth and color try Spanish style if you can
• Penne pasta: holds all the creamy sauce and herbs pick bronze-cut pasta for maximum cling
• Heavy cream: gives a velvety finish to the sauce high-fat cream is best
• Pesto sauce: infuses the dish with basil and umami look for one made with real parmesan and olive oil
• Parmesan cheese: for nutty savory depth freshly grated melts best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken and Prep Potatoes:

Combine olive oil Italian seasoning minced garlic parsley lemon juice salt and pepper in a bowl Whisk thoroughly Add chicken breasts turning so they are evenly coated Marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes Meanwhile halve baby potatoes and toss them with olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper until evenly coated

Roast the Potatoes:

Preheat oven to two hundred degrees Celsius Place potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet Roast for twenty to twenty five minutes shaking the pan halfway through so all sides become golden and crisp Potatoes should be easy to pierce with a fork at the end

Boil Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add penne and cook stirring occasionally until just al dente nine to eleven minutes Before draining use a heatproof cup to reserve a quarter cup of pasta water Drain the pasta thoroughly

Grill the Herb Chicken:

While the pasta cooks preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat Place marinated chicken on the grill Cook for six to eight minutes each side until the internal temperature reaches seventy four degrees Celsius Let chicken rest five minutes before slicing crosswise

Make Creamy Pesto Sauce:

Return the drained pasta pot to medium heat Pour in heavy cream and warm gently Stir in pesto and freshly grated parmesan cheese Whisk until sauce is smooth glossy and coats the back of a spoon Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency

Assemble the Bowls:

Add drained penne to the warm pesto cream sauce Toss until pasta is fully coated Divide equally into serving bowls Top with thick slices of grilled chicken and heaps of roasted potatoes Garnish with extra parmesan chopped herbs or a spritz of fresh lemon

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My favorite part is those extra crispy bits of roasted potato that soak up the sauce They remind me of family Sunday suppers when we would fight over the crispiest potatoes at the table

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days I like to pack the components separately if possible Reheat the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce The potatoes re-crisp nicely in a skillet or toaster oven The grilled chicken can also be enjoyed cold for salads

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for boneless thighs or even grilled shrimp if that is your preference If you are out of penne try rigatoni fusilli or even farfalle For a lighter touch substitute half and half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream Use jarred pesto or homemade depending on what you have Parmesan can be replaced with pecorino romano for a saltier bite

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlicky roasted broccoli A few lemon wedges and an extra dusting of cheese brighten the plate nicely It works well for both cozy weeknights and a dinner party main dish

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Cultural and Historical Context

Pesto’s roots reach back to Genoa Italy where families still pound basil pine nuts and parmesan by hand Creamy sauces are less traditional but have become beloved in modern Italian-American kitchens Mixing grilled chicken and potatoes into pasta shows how home cooks around the world adapt classics for comfort and practicality

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the chicken best marinated?

Marinate the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for at least 10 minutes to infuse fresh herb and citrus flavors.

→ What is the ideal way to cook the pasta?

Boil penne pasta in generously salted water until just al dente, typically 9 to 11 minutes, then drain, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

→ How do I get the baby potatoes crispy and tender?

Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and tender.

→ What makes the pesto sauce creamy?

Gently warm heavy cream in the pasta pot, then stir in quality pesto sauce and freshly grated Parmesan until smooth, using reserved pasta water to loosen as needed.

→ Any tips to streamline the cooking process?

Work in parallel by roasting potatoes first, boiling pasta while grilling chicken, and finishing the sauce in the pasta pot to synchronize timing and keep everything hot and fresh.