What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

Use a cast iron grill pan. It’s one of my favorite kitchen gadgets for healthy meals .

Can I prepare any parts of this ahead of time?

Yes. Marinate the chicken or roast the potatoes earlier it makes easy weeknight chicken dinners faster.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap cream for coconut milk and skip Parmesan. The herbs and pesto still carry the dish.

What other sides pair well with this dish?

Garlic bread, broccoli, or a simple salad. For another family favorite,

Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta

Description

This Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta is comfort with freshness—herb-marinated chicken, roasted potatoes, and creamy pesto pasta. A full plate that feels like home, one of my best easy weeknight chicken dinners.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil), finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered

1 teaspoon dried oregano or rosemary

1 tablespoon butter

8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto

1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional garnish: extra fresh herbs, lemon wedges, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix herbs, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate for 15–60 minutes.

2. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping once.

3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

4. Grill chicken on medium-high heat, 6–7 minutes per side until 165°F inside. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

5. Return pasta to pot on low heat. Stir in pesto, cream, butter, Parmesan, and pasta water until smooth and creamy.

6. Plate creamy pesto pasta with sliced chicken and roasted potatoes. Garnish with herbs, lemon, or pine nuts.

Notes

Stuffani’s Note: This dish reminds me of cooking beside my mom after her nursing shifts—simple herbs, simple pasta, and yet it always felt like love.

Stuffani’s Whisper: Don’t stress the swaps halloumi for chicken, zucchini noodles for pasta. It’s about making it yours, not perfect.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 560
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta, healthy grilled chicken recipes, Italian chicken pasta recipes, easy weeknight chicken dinners