Chef Mitchell preparing Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta recipe during a summer spent in Italy, where I fell in love with the fresh flavors of the local cuisine. Over the years, I've perfected it, balancing the garlic and herbs to create a dish that reminds me of my time there. It's become a family favorite that I'm proud to share with others. This recipe truly embodies the spirit of Italian cooking."

With over a decade of experience in Italian cuisine, I have developed a passion for creating authentic and delicious dinner recipes. My love for cooking stems from a childhood spent in the kitchen with family, where I learned the importance of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. I've crafted hundreds of recipes that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta served on a plate

Why This Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it beautifully combines well-marinated grilled chicken with al dente pasta, making it hearty yet refreshing. The use of fresh herbs elevates the dish, providing a burst of flavor that traditional pasta recipes often lack. Plus, it’s a quick dish to prepare, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Technique plays a crucial role in this recipe. Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb all the flavors, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Grilling adds a smoky depth, balancing perfectly with the savory sauce and pasta. The result is a dish that impresses your guests while being simple enough for a family dinner.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. This allows the garlic and herbs to penetrate deeper into the meat. Additionally, let your grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices, ensuring a moist final product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and grill the chicken, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can combine and heat everything together for a quick meal.

If you don’t have fresh herbs available, you can substitute dried herbs; however, you'll need to use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Use about one-third of the amount called for. Alternatively, Italian seasoning can be used for a blend of flavors.

The dish is done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The pasta should be al dente, so be sure to taste it as it cooks. When combined, everything should be heated through and well-mixed.

Yes, you can freeze Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta. It's best to freeze the chicken and pasta separately to maintain their textures. Store in airtight containers, and it will last for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A light Italian white wine complements the flavors beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal.

Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain its freshness.

Yes, you can make this pasta dish in advance. Prepare the chicken and pasta, and store them separately. When ready to serve, combine and heat according to your preference. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep.

The best way to reheat Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also use a microwave, covering it to retain moisture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the pasta or chicken seems dry, it may be due to overcooking or insufficient sauce.

Solution: To remedy this, add a little more olive oil or a splash of pasta cooking water to the dish when reheating, which will add moisture back into the pasta and chicken.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken isn't crispy enough, it may not have been grilled at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Ensure your grill is preheated properly, and consider searing the chicken for a couple of extra minutes on each side for better crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked pasta can become mushy and unappetizing.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks and do not exceed the recommended cooking time. Always taste it a minute or two before the time is up.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken has an undercooked center, it may be unsafe to eat.

Recovery: To ensure food safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If it’s undercooked, return it to the grill until done.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior on the chicken can occur if the grill is too hot.

Prevention: Adjust the grill temperature to medium heat and monitor the chicken closely to avoid burning while ensuring it cooks thoroughly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the dish is too salty, you can add more pasta or extra vegetables to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, increase the seasoning by adding more herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta

The key ingredients for this Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta include fresh chicken, a variety of herbs, and quality pasta. Using fresh ingredients enhances the flavor profile and creates a more vibrant dish. The combination of herbs like parsley and basil adds freshness that complements the grilled chicken beautifully.

When selecting your ingredients, opt for high-quality chicken breast and fresh herbs from the market. The better the quality of your ingredients, the more flavorful the final dish will be. Fresh pasta over dried pasta can also elevate the dish, providing a tender texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Choose skinless, boneless chicken breast for the best results. Look for pieces that are firm and have a pinkish color. Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Use whole cloves and mince them yourself for the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic as it often loses its potency and aroma.
  • Pasta: Opt for high-quality dried pasta, such as bronze-cut pasta, which holds sauce better. Cooking it al dente ensures it retains a good bite and prevents mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Cooking process for Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta is straightforward, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings. Begin by marinating the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld. While the chicken marinates, cook the pasta to perfection, and prepare the sauce with fresh tomatoes and spinach.

By following each step carefully, you can achieve a dish that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Slicing the chicken after grilling and tossing it with pasta ensures an even distribution of flavors in every bite.

Key Technique for Perfect Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta

The secret to perfect Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta lies in the marination of the chicken. Allowing the chicken to marinate in a mixture of herbs and garlic not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. This technique, combined with grilling, creates a beautifully textured dish that is moist and flavorful.

Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup garlic, minced
    Fresh
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    Low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Fresh squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    Ground

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 3 cups pasta
    Penne or fettuccine
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    Extra virgin
  • 4 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
    Chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    Dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    Optional

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken

    In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Grill Chicken

    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove and let rest.

  4. Prepare Sauce

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

  5. Combine Ingredients

    Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the skillet with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to combine.

  6. Add Cheese

    Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until melted and well incorporated.

  7. Serve

    Plate the Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta and garnish with additional herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta, cool it completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and pasta separately.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad to round out the meal.

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the pasta. For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream or substituting some of the chicken broth with heavy cream.