Tasty Grilled Chicken and Veggie Bowl with Creamy Pasta
This dish is a complete meal in a bowl: smoky grilled chicken, charred seasonal veggies, and creamy pasta tossed in a light garlic-parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for when you want comfort food without feeling heavy.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Veggies
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Creamy Pasta
250g (9 oz) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or bow-tie)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup milk or half-and-half
½ cup cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Chili flakes
Instructions
1. Marinate and Grill Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken and marinate for 20–30 minutes (longer = more flavor).
Grill on medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
2. Grill or Roast Veggies
Toss zucchini, peppers, and onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Grill for 5–7 minutes until charred OR roast in oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta & Make Sauce
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a skillet, heat olive oil, saute garlic until fragrant (1 min).
Add milk/cream, simmer 3–4 mins. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Toss in pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
4. Assemble the Bowl
Spoon creamy pasta into each bowl.
Top with sliced grilled chicken and grilled veggies.
Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes & Tips
Lighter Version: Use just milk + Greek yogurt instead of cream.
Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic to the pasta sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store pasta, chicken, and veggies separately; reheat and assemble.
Veggie Swap: Eggplant, mushrooms, or asparagus also grill beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes – just use gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I replace chicken with another protein?
Shrimp, salmon, or even grilled halloumi work great.
Q: Can I make the pasta ahead of time?
Yes – toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then reheat with a splash of milk.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~640 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 6g