Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Penne & Crispy Herb Potatoes
A comfort-meets-gourmet dinner plate that’s perfect for family meals or special evenings. Juicy grilled chicken is seasoned to perfection, paired with rich and creamy garlic penne, and balanced by golden, crispy herb potatoes. This dish offers protein, carbs, and indulgence all on one satisfying plate.
Time Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~55–60 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken
3–4 chicken breasts (or boneless thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
¾ tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 tbsp lemon juice
For Creamy Garlic Penne
250 g penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooking cream (or heavy cream)
½ cup milk
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
For Crispy Herb Potatoes
500 g baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
2½ tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crispy Herb Potatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss potatoes with olive oil, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking tray in a single layer.
Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Grilled Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken well and rest for 10 minutes.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice.
Creamy Garlic Penne
Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté garlic for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Add cream and milk, simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in parmesan, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Add pasta and toss until fully coated.
Garnish with parsley.
Serving Suggestion
Plate creamy garlic penne first, top with sliced grilled chicken, and add a side of crispy herb potatoes. Finish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style look.
Helpful Tips
Pound chicken slightly for even grilling.
For extra crisp potatoes, soak them in water for 15 minutes before roasting.
Add mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for extra veggies.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, thighs are juicier and grill beautifully—just cook slightly longer.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Store components separately and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to the pasta.
Q: How do I make it lighter?
Use half cream + half milk and reduce cheese slightly.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
Add chili flakes to the chicken marinade or stir chili oil into the pasta.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~650–700 kcal
Protein: High
Carbs: Moderate
Fats: Moderate