Grilled Chicken with Garlic Cream Penne and Roasted Baby Potatoes
This dish is a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal combining juicy grilled chicken, creamy garlic penne, and crispy roasted baby potatoes. It’s non-spicy, protein-rich, and perfect for dinner or special meals.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken
2 medium chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Cream Penne
200 g (7 oz) penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or light cream for lighter version)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Roasted Baby Potatoes
300 g baby potatoes, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
1. Roast the Baby Potatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare Grilled Chicken
Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked (internal temp 74°C / 165°F).
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
3. Cook Garlic Cream Penne
Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
Add cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
Toss cooked pasta in the cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Finish with chopped parsley.
4. Assemble the Plate
Serve grilled chicken slices over garlic cream penne.
Add roasted baby potatoes on the side.
Optional: drizzle with extra olive oil or sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor.
Tips for Best Results
Let chicken rest after grilling for juicier slices.
Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor.
Roast potatoes in a single layer to ensure crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Roast potatoes and cook pasta ahead; reheat and assemble just before serving. Chicken is best freshly grilled.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Adjust cooking time as per package instructions.
Is this Mediterranean-diet friendly?
Yes—lean protein, olive oil, and vegetables make it balanced. Use light cream for a lighter version.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 650 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 4 g