Creamy Garlic Herb Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Roasted Potatoes 🍗🧄🥔

A cozy, satisfying meal that brings together juicy grilled chicken, velvety garlic-herb cream pasta, and perfectly crispy roasted potatoes. This dish is indulgent, aromatic, and perfect for weeknights or a special dinner at home.

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes

🍽 Servings: 2–3

📊 Calories per serving: ~750 kcal

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 🐔 2 chicken breasts
• 🧄 1 garlic clove, minced
• 🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
• 🌿 1 tsp dried basil
• 🧂 Salt & black pepper
• 🍋 1 tsp lemon juice
• 🫒 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Pasta

• 🍝 200 g penne or fettuccine
• 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 🧈 1 tbsp butter
• 🫒 1 tbsp olive oil
• 🌶️ ½ red chili or ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 🥛 200 ml heavy cream
• 🧀 40 g grated parmesan
• 🌿 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 🧂 Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Potatoes

• 🥔 300 g baby potatoes, halved
• 🌿 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 🧄 1 garlic clove, minced
• 🫒 1 tbsp olive oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking tray and roast 25–30 minutes, until golden and crispy.

2️⃣ Prepare & Grill the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix oregano, basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken breasts and let marinate for 10 minutes (longer if possible).
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high.
4. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
5. Slice and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

1. Heat butter + olive oil in a pan.
2. Add minced garlic and chili; sauté 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Add parmesan and stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Add pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and add parsley.
7. Toss pasta into the sauce.

5️⃣ Assemble

• Serve creamy pasta topped with grilled chicken slices.
• Add roasted potatoes on the side.
• Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan.

📝 Notes

• You can use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for variation.
• Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color.
• Sauce thickens as it cools — use pasta water to adjust consistency.

💡 Tips for Best Results

• Flatten chicken breasts slightly to cook evenly.
• Don’t burn the garlic — it turns bitter quickly.
• Salt pasta water generously (it should taste like the sea).
• Add parmesan off the heat to prevent grainy texture.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt.

🍽 Servings

This recipe makes 2–3 generous servings, depending on appetite.

📊 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~750 kcal
• Protein: 38–42 g
• Carbs: 60–70 g
• Fat: 38–42 g
• Fiber: 3–4 g

(Values vary with portion size and ingredients.)

🌿 Health & Nutrition Benefits

• High-protein meal — supports muscle health.
• Parsley, garlic, and herbs provide antioxidants.
• Balanced combination of carbs + protein + healthy fats.
• Potatoes add potassium and fiber.

❓ Q & A Section

Q: Can I make it without cream?

A: Yes! Use milk + 1 tsp flour or half-and-half. The sauce will still be creamy.

Q: Can I make it spicy?

A: Add more chili flakes or a pinch of paprika.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken?

A: Absolutely — grilled or roasted leftovers work perfectly.

Q: Can I meal-prep this?

A: Yes. Keep pasta + sauce separate from chicken and potatoes for best reheating.

Q: What pasta shape works best?

A: Fettuccine for silky texture, penne for maximum sauce absorption.