Name: Grilled Chicken with Creamy Herb Penne Pasta
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 lb penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation and Marinating. Start by slicing the chicken breasts into even cutlets or strips to ensure uniform cooking. Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with olive oil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the pasta water.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches “al dente” texture. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Grilling the Chicken. Preheat your grill or a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grates and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 4: Preparing the Creamy Herb Sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley. Whisk constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combining and Plating. Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet with the herb sauce. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Divide the pasta into four bowls and top each serving with a generous portion of the sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with more fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Cook Time: 35 minutes