Creamy Herb Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Sauteed Peppers
This dish combines tender grilled chicken, sauteed sweet bell peppers, and a silky, herb-infused cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta.It’s rich but balanced — the herbs and peppers add brightness to the creamy sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a bistro.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
250g (about 8 oz) penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
Extra Parmesan
Chili flakes or lemon zest for brightness
Instructions
1. Marinate & Grill the Chicken
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken evenly and let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Saute the Peppers
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add bell peppers and saute for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Herb Sauce
Lower heat and pour in cream. Stir gently.
Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, parsley, and basil.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
5. Combine Everything
Toss cooked pasta and grilled chicken into the pan.
Stir until evenly coated in the creamy herb sauce.
Let simmer 1–2 minutes to absorb flavors.
6. Serve
Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan, herbs, and optional chili flakes or lemon zest.
Tips & Notes
For extra flavor, use smoked paprika or roasted red peppers.
Add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Substitute cream with Greek yogurt + milk for a lighter, tangier version.
Great for meal prep — just add a splash of milk when reheating.
Serving Ideas
Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Serve alongside a sparkling lemonade or iced mint tea for a refreshing combo.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~560 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 3g