Many of my friends have been asking for my Grilled Chicken Pasta recipe, so I thought I’d share it with you today. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish.
Some key ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts:
These are the show’s main attractions, so ensure they’re in top form.
Penne pasta:
The ideal pasta for soaking up all the flavors we’re throwing in.
Olive oil:
It’s a must for grilling chicken and adding that juicy moisture to the pasta.
Garlic:
Chop it up to let out that strong, fragrant flavor.
Balsamic vinegar:
This gives our chicken a nice sweet and tangy flavor.
Salt and pepper:
The go-to seasoning that never lets me down.
Red pepper flakes:
For that tiny bit of warmth.
Grated Parmesan cheese:
The final flourish that takes it from good to ‘can I have seconds?’.
Crafting the Perfect Grilled Chicken Pasta
Let’s throw on our aprons and get cooking!
I take those chicken breasts and season them carefully. I make sure the salt and pepper are evenly spread because that’s where the flavor begins.
I heat my grill pan until it’s nice and hot, like medium-high heat – that’s when it’s ready for the chicken to start sizzling. I put the chicken breasts on the pan and let them cook, flipping them over after about 4 minutes or when those beautiful grill marks start to form.
I’ve got my water boiling and salted well, then I toss in the penne pasta. I keep a close eye on it because I want it to be perfectly al dente. It’s usually about 11 minutes, but I double-check by tasting a piece.
Finished with the pasta, I strain it in a colander. It’s like catching shooting stars with a net. A quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and the pasta is good to go.
I drizzle some olive oil in the pan and toss in the minced garlic. Here’s where I’m careful: I cook it just until it’s golden – if it goes too long, it’ll get bitter. I’m aiming for that perfect point where it smells amazing.
I’m cutting up the grilled chicken and tossing it with the pasta in a big bowl. Then I’ll drizzle on that garlicky oil, add a splash of balsamic, and sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. It’s all about letting each ingredient shine in this mix.
Finally, I sprinkle the Parmesan cheese all over and give it a gentle toss. I want every strand of pasta and piece of chicken to be coated with cheese. It’s all about making sure each bite has an even distribution for that perfect flavor.
Timing and Temperature Control
Grill Pan:
When I put my chicken on the grill pan, I’m aiming for that perfect medium-high heat. Once my pan starts to smoke a bit, it’s time to get cooking. Each side of the chicken breast gets about 4-6 minutes on the grill. I want a nice sear without making the chicken too tough. The goal is juicy, not dry and chewy like jerky.
Pasta Pot:
I’ve got my pasta dancing in boiling water for about 11 minutes, but I like to check it around the 9-minute mark. I’m aiming for al dente – tender but still a little firm when you bite into it. I don’t want it to turn into mush, and definitely not too crunchy. It’s all about finding that delicate balance.
Garlic:
The garlic doesn’t take long at all. Just a couple of minutes over medium heat in olive oil – enough to let out the aroma but not burn it. When it starts turning golden, that’s my cue to take it off the heat.
Nutritional
Lean and Mean Protein:
Those grilled chicken breasts are a great choice – low in fat and high in protein, which is perfect for keeping your muscles lean and staving off hunger.
Energizing Carbs:
Our buddy, penne pasta, gives us the carbs we need to power through the day. Opt for whole grain and you’ll also boost your fiber intake, which is great for digestion and keeping you satisfied.
Olive Oil, the Healthy Fat:
That drizzle of olive oil isn’t just for taste; it’s packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for your heart, and it also has antioxidants like vitamin E.
The Cheesy Finish:
A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a delicious flavor and some extra calcium, without adding too much fat.—neat, huh?
Spice and All Things Nice:
Garlic, red pepper flakes, and any herbs you like add a lot of flavor and health benefits, such as fighting off bugs and reducing inflammation, without adding extra calories.
This dish is packed with nutrients to keep you feeling great all day long. And the best part? It’s so versatile – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a relaxing evening meal.
Tips
Chicken Safety:
Make sure your chicken is cooked just right – it should reach a safe internal temperature and have no pink inside. Let it rest off the heat for a bit before cutting to keep all those delicious juices inside.
Pasta Perfection:
Aim for pasta that’s cooked al dente – with a little bit of bite to it. It’s the best way to cook pasta and ensures it won’t get soggy when you mix it with other ingredients.
Balanced Dressing:
When you’re adding oil or sauce, remember that less is more. Just lightly coat the pasta for the perfect flavor balance.
Cheese Caution:
Don’t go overboard with the Parmesan. It’s really strong and salty, so a little bit goes a long way. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Sensible Seasoning:
Season your dish carefully. start with a little bit, taste it, and add more if you need to. Just remember, we want to enhance the flavors, not overpower them.
Garnish Gracefully:
Sprinkle some herbs or a few shavings of cheese on top as the perfect finishing touch. It’s like adding the cherry on top!
Origin
This tasty grilled chicken pasta has Italian origins with an American spin. It’s all about simple ingredients coming together to make delicious yet refined flavors.
Italians have always been great at making pasta, and it’s a must-have at dinner. And then there’s the American love for grilling – especially that delicious, smoky flavor it gives to chicken. Put them together and you’ve got a dish that everyone loves.
People always go crazy over this dish because it’s got the perfect mix of protein, carbs, and veggies, all topped off with a zesty sauce. It’s a winner for anyone wanting something filling but still healthy.
I’ve had friends who can’t stop raving about it, and some have even asked for the recipe. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a family dinner, but it also won’t fail to impress if you’re having a casual get-together.
Related dishes
Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta:
This one’s a new take on our classic, with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh kick of basil.
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Pasta:
For a more wintery feel, the creaminess of this dish, coupled with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, is pure comfort.
Don’t just follow a recipe when you cook – you’re making memories and flavors that are all your own. Be bold, season with confidence, and serve with pride. Here’s to success in the kitchen, and beyond!