Name: Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta & Roasted Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Herb-marinated chicken breasts (olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper); Small potatoes (halved or quartered); Olive oil; Salt and pepper; Pasta (fettuccine or penne); Pesto sauce; Heavy cream or half‑and‑half; Grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil (for garnish)

A satisfying one-pan meal that brings together tender herb-marinated grilled chicken, luscious creamy pesto pasta, and perfectly roasted potatoes. It’s an elegant dish that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough to serve guests. Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta & Roasted Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how each component on the plate complements the others—herbed chicken with crisp edges, rich creamy pesto, and golden roasted potatoes. It’s comforting, flavorful, and well-balanced in proteins, carbs, and veggies. Plus, everything cooks at once, making for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Herb-marinated chicken breasts (olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper)
Small potatoes (halved or quartered)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Pesto sauce
Heavy cream or half‑and‑half
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil (for garnish)

directions

Marinate the chicken
I combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I coat the chicken breasts and let them marinate while I prep the rest.
Roast the potatoes
I toss the halved small potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast at 200 °C (400 °F) for about 25–30 minutes until they’re golden and crisp.
Grill the chicken
During the last 10 minutes of potato roasting, I grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75 °C (165 °F). I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Cook the pasta
While the chicken rests, I boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Then I reserve a bit of pasta water and drain.
Make the creamy pesto sauce
In the pasta pot, I stir together pesto, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan over low heat. I add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Plate up
I place sliced grilled chicken on a bed of creamy pesto pasta alongside roasted potatoes. I finish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

storage/reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: I gently reheat pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. For the chicken and potatoes, I pop them in a 175 °C (350 °F) oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of chicken?

I can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re juicier and absorb the marinade beautifully—just adjust cooking time to about 5–6 minutes per side.

2. What pasta shape works best?

Fettuccine or penne hold the creamy pesto sauce well, but I’ve also used farfalle or rigatoni with great results.

3. Is there a dairy-free version?

I swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor shifts slightly but remains delicious.

4. Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Yes—I marinate the chicken and wash/cut the potatoes a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge for easy assembly.

5. How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild, but I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle kick that I enjoy.

Conclusion

This Loaded Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto Pasta & Roasted Potatoes is a dinner crowd‑pleaser. I love how it brings simplicity and elegance together on one plate—flavorful, comforting, and effortless to prepare.