Okay, settle in, because I’m about to share one of my absolute go-to recipes: Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta. I can almost smell it now – the smoky char on the chicken, the bright, fresh scent of herbs, and that creamy sauce clinging to every strand of pasta. It all started years ago when I was desperately trying to find a meal that was both satisfying for my growing family and quick enough to make on a busy weeknight.

The first time I tried it, I totally overcooked the pasta (we’ve all been there, right?), but the flavor combination was so promising, I knew I was onto something. It took a few tries, but this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta recipe is now a family staple, and it’s requested at least once a month.

It fits perfectly into my life because I can prep most of it ahead of time, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters. I remember one time I ran out of a particular herb, I thought it would ruin the whole Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta meal but I decided to use something similar, and it tasted even better! I really hope you decide to give it a try because I know it can be a life-saver for you too!

Ingredients for the Perfect Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference! The quality of each component contributes to the overall symphony of flavors in your Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta.

Fresh ingredients for Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I always use organic, if possible, for my Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta. Opting for organic ensures that you’re using high-quality protein, free from unnecessary additives.
1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work great) – My family prefers penne for this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta. The shape of the pasta can influence how well it holds the sauce, so choose one with ridges or curves.
1/4 cup olive oil – I always use extra virgin olive oil in my Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta, it makes a difference. The robust flavor of extra virgin olive oil adds depth to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
1/4 cup lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best for the Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta! Fresh lemon juice provides a vibrant acidity that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic! Garlic is the backbone of many savory dishes, and it adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the pasta.
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – Basil is a must for this grilled chicken pasta recipe! The aromatic sweetness of fresh basil complements the other herbs and adds a touch of freshness.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a nice freshness to the dish. Parsley provides a clean, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped – I find mine at the local farmer’s market. Oregano adds a slightly peppery and earthy flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the herb blend.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a delicious saltiness. Parmesan cheese offers a salty, umami-rich flavor that elevates the savory notes of the dish.
1/2 cup heavy cream – This makes the sauce extra creamy! Heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste – I prefer sea salt for my Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta. Seasoning is crucial to bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved or spinach – For extra color and nutrients. These additions provide a burst of color and add beneficial vitamins and minerals to your meal.

When making this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta, you can find fresh herbs at almost any grocery store. Sometimes, I even grow my own in a small pot on my windowsill! And here’s a Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta trick I learned from my mom: always marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes – it makes it so much more flavorful.

For busy families making Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta, pre-chopping the herbs on Sunday can save a lot of time during the week. To save on ingredients, look for sales on chicken breasts and buy in bulk. I find that storing leftover herbs in a damp paper towel in the fridge helps them last longer, making it easier to whip up this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta anytime.

How to Make Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Each step is designed to enhance the flavors and textures of the final product.

First, in a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. This herb marinated chicken pasta marinade is the key to the whole dish! The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize it, ensuring a juicy and delicious result.
Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Don’t worry if your Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta marinating time is longer – that’s fine! The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. If you have the time, marinating overnight can yield even better results.
While the chicken is marinating, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. I learned the hard way with Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta that overcooked pasta is the worst! Cooking the pasta al dente ensures that it has a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In my kitchen, Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta usually takes about 15 minutes to grill the chicken total. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky char that complements the fresh herbs and creamy sauce.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice it. Don’t worry if your chicken is a little charred – that just adds to the flavor of this grilled chicken pasta recipe! Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps it retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
In a large skillet or pot, combine the cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Toss to coat. Your Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta should smell like a garden in full bloom! Gently tossing the ingredients ensures that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and that the chicken and cheese are well distributed throughout the dish.
If desired, add cherry tomatoes or spinach and cook until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are slightly softened. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal to the dish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta! While the Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta is cooking, I usually throw together a quick salad or steam some broccoli to go with it. Add a little pesto grilled chicken pasta for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your dining experience with these serving tips. The presentation and accompanying dishes can make all the difference in creating a memorable meal.

The kids love our Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta when I serve it with garlic bread – they can’t get enough of it! My go-to side dishes that pair with this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. They work because they add a bit of freshness and balance out the richness of the pasta. This Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck. I like to serve my Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta in a big bowl, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

It really looks impressive! If you have extra Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta, it’s fantastic for lunch the next day – cold or reheated. This creamy herb pasta chicken is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Seasonally, I sometimes add grilled corn in the summer for a sweet twist, or roasted butternut squash in the fall for a heartier meal. My friends always ask for this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta recipe whenever I make it for them, and it’s always a hit! This dish can also be a great grilled chicken pasta salad if you choose to eat it cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making the perfect Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta. Understanding these nuances can help you tailor the recipe to your preferences and ensure a successful outcome.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta? Absolutely! While fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor, dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs. I’ve definitely done this when I’m short on time or out of fresh herbs.
How can I make this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta lighter? You can use light cream cheese instead of heavy cream, or even plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor. You know what I do when my Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta calls for cream and I don’t have it? I use half and half! It works just as well.
Can I make this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the pasta and grill the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them with the sauce when you’re ready to serve. When making Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta, I’ve made the mistake of combining everything ahead of time, and the pasta got a little soggy.
What other vegetables can I add to this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta? Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies! Some great options include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use different types of pasta for this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta? Of course! Penne, rotini, farfalle, and even spaghetti all work well. Just choose your favorite! A blog reader once told me she used gluten-free pasta and loved the way her Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta turned out.
Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes! This Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prep. Divide it into containers and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How spicy can I make this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta? You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauce for a little heat, I like to add some chives!
My sauce is too thick. How do I thin it out for this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta? Add a little bit of pasta water or chicken broth to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency. We’ve all been there with Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta – sometimes the sauce just gets too thick!

My Final Thoughts

This Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my family always enjoys, no matter what. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of fresh herbs, grilled chicken, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.

My Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta Pro Tips:

Don’t overcook the pasta! Nobody likes mushy pasta.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better!
Use fresh herbs whenever possible. They make a big difference in flavor.

Here are a few Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta variations that my family loves: a pesto grilled chicken pasta version (using pesto instead of the herb marinade), a spicy version (adding red pepper flakes), and a creamy lemon version (adding extra lemon juice and zest to the sauce). The kids particularly love the creamy lemon version, while I’m partial to the spicy one. I really hope you give this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta a try.

It’s a recipe that you can truly make your own, and I’m sure your family will love it as much as mine does. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, vegetables, or cheeses to create your own unique version of this Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta. Happy cooking!

Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

This Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken Pasta is packed with fresh herbs, juicy grilled chicken, and a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, basil, oregano, thyme)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, preheat grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture all over chicken breasts.
Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
While chicken rests, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, lemon juice, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine.
Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slice grilled chicken and add to the pasta. Toss gently.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce. You can also use different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella.