Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight during a summer cookout with friends. The combination of grilled chicken and fresh vegetables was a hit, and I've perfected the recipe ever since. It's become a favorite in my household for its simplicity and flavor. Every time I make it, I'm reminded of those sunny days spent outdoors with loved ones."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. With numerous recipes created, he focuses on healthy, delicious meals that are easy to prepare. His love for cooking is evident in every dish he shares.

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

Why This Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious dish that pleases the palate. The marinated grilled chicken adds a smoky depth, while the fresh vegetables contribute crispness and brightness.

Grilling the chicken enhances its juiciness and provides that sought-after char. Combining it with perfectly cooked pasta ensures that every bite is satisfying. The feta cheese adds creaminess, bringing everything together beautifully.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the vegetables while sautéing. This enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the components of Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta, and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply combine everything in a skillet to warm through.

If you don't have penne pasta on hand, you can use any short pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great alternatives that work well with this dish.

The dish is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the pasta is cooked to al dente texture. The vegetables should be tender but still vibrant in color.

Yes, you can freeze Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight. However, it's best to freeze the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce to maintain quality. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat gently on the stove.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. A light Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, olives, and tomatoes complements the flavors perfectly. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Ensure it is cooled down before refrigerating for best quality.

Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Just keep the chicken, pasta, and sauce separate until ready to serve. This way, you can reheat them without overcooking.

The best way to reheat Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even heating without drying out the chicken.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your pasta dish turns out too dry, it may be due to insufficient sauce or overcooked pasta.

Solution: To remedy this, add a little more olive oil or a splash of broth to moisten the dish. Stir well to distribute the moisture evenly.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken isn't crispy enough after grilling, it may not have been seared properly.

Solution: Ensure your grill is preheated adequately before cooking the chicken. A high temperature helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove it from the grill as soon as it reaches this temperature.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken appears undercooked in the center, it could be due to uneven grilling.

Recovery: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and return them to the grill for a few more minutes to ensure even cooking throughout.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can result from too high grill heat or cooking too long.

Prevention: To prevent burning, keep an eye on the chicken while grilling and adjust the heat as needed. Consider using indirect heat for larger pieces.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a touch more salt or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For an overly salty dish, add a small amount of sugar to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, enhance the flavor with additional herbs, spices, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight

The key ingredients in this dish include chicken breast, which provides lean protein, and penne pasta, the perfect vehicle for the sauce. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes add color and nutrients, while feta cheese gives a creamy texture that enhances the overall flavor.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial. Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality olive oil to elevate the dish's taste. The chicken should be fresh and preferably organic for the best flavor.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. Look for pieces that are firm and have a pinkish hue, indicating freshness. Marinating the chicken beforehand will enhance its flavor and tenderness.
  • Penne Pasta: For the best texture, select high-quality pasta made from durum wheat. Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after being mixed with the hot ingredients.
  • Feta Cheese: Use crumbled feta cheese for a tangy flavor. Look for brands that use pure sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk for the best taste. Be cautious not to add too much, as it can overpower the dish.
Cooking process for Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight is straightforward and efficient. Start by preparing all your ingredients to streamline the cooking experience. Marinate the chicken, cook the pasta, and grill the chicken to perfection.

Achieving perfect results is about timing. Make sure the pasta is al dente, and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Combining everything while hot allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight

The key to this recipe is the marination of the chicken. A well-balanced marinade helps in infusing flavor and tenderizing the meat, ensuring that each bite is juicy and delicious.

Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 cups heavy cream
    For a rich sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds flavor
  • 1 tsp dried basil
    Herb flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For depth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    To season

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 12 oz penne pasta
    Dried
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    Halved
  • 1 cup spinach
    Fresh
  • 1 cup bell pepper
    Sliced
  • 1/2 cup onion
    Sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese
    Crumbled
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
    For marinating

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta

    In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Chicken

    In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

  3. Grill the Chicken

    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

  4. Sauté Vegetables

    In a large skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts.

  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the pasta mixture.

  6. Add Cheese and Lemon

    Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and lemon juice, mixing well to combine all ingredients.

  7. Serve

    Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

  8. Enjoy

    Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers of Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, consume within 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Chicken Pasta Delight warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms. For a twist, substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.