Ultimate Creamy Pasta with Grilled Chicken
A decadent yet balanced pasta dish featuring juicy grilled chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Mediterranean-style sauce made with Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings:3
Ingredients
For the Chicken
500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Pasta
2 cups short pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
Salted water for boiling
For the Creamy Sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt (high protein)
¼ cup milk or pasta water
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
½ cup broccoli florets
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup zucchini slices
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
Fresh basil or parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon zest or juice
Chili flakes
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain. Set aside.
2. Grill the Chicken
Mix chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Slice into strips.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
Toss broccoli, zucchini, or tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Saute in a pan for 3–5 minutes until tender.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Reduce heat to low. Add Greek yogurt, milk/pasta water, Parmesan, oregano, and basil.
Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with pasta water if needed.
Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce.
Toss in optional vegetables and sliced grilled chicken.
6. Serve
Plate the pasta and chicken in bowls.
Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, lemon juice, or chili flakes.
Serve immediately.
Tips
Extra creamy: Stir in 1–2 tbsp cream cheese or mascarpone.
Mediterranean twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Protein boost: Add chickpeas or white beans.
Meal prep: Keep chicken separate from pasta and sauce for freshness.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Carbs: 52 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g