🌿🔥 Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta & Roasted Potatoes
Grilled to perfection. Tossed in creaminess. Roasted for the crunch. This cozy, herb-packed meal brings bold Italian-inspired flavors to your plate with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 For the Chicken:
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🥔 For the Roasted Potatoes:
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt & pepper, to taste
🍝 For the Creamy Pesto Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ¼ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
👨🍳 Directions
1. Grill the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken well and marinate for 15–30 minutes (optional but flavorful!). Grill on medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Let it rest, then slice.
2. Roast the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Garnish with parsley.
3. Prepare the Pasta
Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. In a saucepan, warm the cream and stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
4. Assemble the Bowl
Plate the creamy pesto pasta first, then top with sliced grilled chicken and a generous handful of crispy roasted potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs for that finishing touch.
⏱️ Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 2–3
- Calories: ~650–750 kcal per serving
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli work great in the pasta.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of chili flakes to the chicken or pasta sauce.
- Flavor twist: Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or roasted red pepper cream for a bold variation.
- Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your pesto ingredients.
