Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home? Look no further than this sensational Grilled Chicken and Pasta recipe that promises to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that combines perfectly grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and a burst of garlic flavor that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 4 chicken breasts, 8 ounces of pasta, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste, and Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
- While the chicken is resting, add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to help coat the pasta.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and add them back to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve the grilled chicken and pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Pasta Water Magic: Save some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps the pasta and seasonings stick together perfectly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking chicken, make sure each breast has enough space to brown nicely. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of giving it a beautiful golden crust.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Fresh Parmesan Makes a Difference: Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the most vibrant flavor. Pre-grated cheese can't compare to the rich taste of freshly grated cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 471kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
