Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta & Roasted Potatoes
Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta & Roasted Potatoes is a flavorful, comforting, and balanced meal. Juicy, herb-marinated grilled chicken pairs perfectly with luscious creamy pesto pasta and crispy roasted potatoes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This recipe combines fresh herbs, simple ingredients, and easy cooking techniques to deliver a hearty, elegant dish packed with vibrant flavors and textures that the whole family will love.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free Option (use gluten-free pasta)
For the Herb Marinade and Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, chopped into evenly sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley), chopped
For the Creamy Pesto Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup basil-based pesto sauce
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste (optional)
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
- Prepare the Herb Marinade and Chicken: Combine fresh rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a fragrant marinade. Thoroughly coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes to infuse maximum flavor.
- Roast the Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss chopped potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water. Toss pasta with pesto sauce and a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt until creamy. Use reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta alongside the roasted potatoes. Top with sliced grilled chicken and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese and extra chopped herbs for garnish.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at 165°F internal temperature to avoid dryness.
- Even Potato Pieces: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even roasting and crispy texture.
- Fresh Pesto: Use fresh or homemade pesto for best flavor and freshness.
- Rest Pasta Sauce: Toss pasta off heat when mixing with cream and pesto to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: herb grilled chicken, creamy pesto pasta, roasted potatoes, easy dinner, family-friendly, herb marinade, pesto pasta, roasted vegetables