Rick's Grilled Chicken Penne Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with Rick's Grilled Chicken Penne Pasta, a creamy, flavor-packed dish that marries smoky, tender grilled chicken with perfectly al dente penne pasta. Coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this recipe is both comforting and sophisticated. With a quick 15-minute prep time and a total cook time of just 30 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. A squeeze of optional lemon adds a bright, zesty finish to balance the creamy richness. Serve this versatile meal with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for an unforgettable dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 3

Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside to rest before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4

Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 7

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 8

Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice (if using). Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 10

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce.

Step 11

Plate the pasta and top with the grilled chicken slices. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1417.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4709.9

Total Fat 283.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 145.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 929.5mg	0%
Sodium 6371.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 268.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 0.8g
Protein 242.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2714.8mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 1158.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.5%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 23.4%