🍝🍗 Grilled Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Herbs
Juicy Grilled Chicken, Sweet Cherry Tomatoes & Garlic-Herb Pasta
This Grilled Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Herbs is a fresh, flavorful dinner that combines juicy grilled chicken, tender pasta, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and plenty of fresh herbs.
It’s light enough for a summer dinner but comforting enough for any night of the week. The chicken can be grilled outdoors or cooked on a grill pan, while the simple garlic-herb sauce comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh and flavorful
High in protein
Easy weeknight dinner
Perfect for summer
Juicy grilled chicken
Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes
Fresh garlic and herbs
Simple pantry ingredients
Great for meal prep
Delicious served warm or chilled
📋 Recipe Information
Course: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
Grilled Chicken
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
12 ounces penne, rotini, or bow-tie pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, optional
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional Garnishes
Extra Parmesan
Fresh basil
Fresh parsley
Red pepper flakes
Lemon wedges
Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
🍳 Equipment Needed
Grill or grill pan
Large pot
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Colander
Cutting board
Sharp knife
👩🍳 How to Make Grilled Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a bowl.
Add:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Minced garlic
Italian seasoning
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Turn the chicken until evenly coated.
Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
🔥 Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Place the chicken on the hot grill.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
The chicken should develop beautiful grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
🍝 Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
🍅 Step 4: Cook the Cherry Tomatoes
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The tomatoes should soften and begin to release their juices while still maintaining some shape.
🧄 Step 5: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the tomatoes.
Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
🌿 Step 6: Add the Pasta & Herbs
Add the drained pasta to the skillet.
Pour in approximately ¼ cup reserved pasta water and toss everything together.
Add:
Parmesan
Basil
Parsley
Oregano, if using
Salt
Black pepper
Toss until the pasta is glossy and well coated.
Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed.
🍗 Step 7: Slice the Chicken
Slice the rested grilled chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
For the best presentation, slice the chicken on a slight diagonal.
🍽️ Step 8: Assemble
Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
Top generously with grilled chicken.
Finish with:
Fresh basil
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes
A squeeze of lemon
Serve immediately.
💡 My Best Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts can dry out quickly.
Use a meat thermometer and remove them once they reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the Chicken Rest
Resting for several minutes keeps the juices inside the chicken instead of letting them run onto the cutting board.
Save the Pasta Water
The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce and brings the tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs together.
Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes
You want the cherry tomatoes soft enough to release some juice while still retaining their fresh flavor and texture.
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil and parsley make a huge difference in this simple pasta dish.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Creamy Grilled Chicken Pasta
Add ½ cup heavy cream to the tomato and garlic mixture and simmer gently before adding the pasta.
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Add ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta
Add sliced olives, crumbled feta, and a little lemon zest.
Spinach & Chicken Pasta
Add 2 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet just before tossing in the pasta.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Replace the fresh herb mixture with ¼ cup basil pesto for a richer, more concentrated herb flavor.
🥗 What to Serve With It
Pair this pasta with:
Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Caesar salad
Roasted asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Grilled zucchini
Caprese salad
For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside a large green salad.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover pasta and chicken in airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer
The grilled chicken can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.
Freezing the finished pasta is not ideal because the tomatoes and herbs can change texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the pasta.
You can also microwave individual portions in 45–60 second intervals, stirring between each interval.
📊 Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 560
Protein: 48g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 4g
Net Carbs: 49g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Nutrition information is approximate and will vary depending on the pasta, chicken, Parmesan, and other ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are especially juicy and work beautifully with this recipe.
Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
Absolutely. This is a great way to turn leftover grilled chicken into a completely new meal.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, rigatoni, farfalle, or whole-wheat pasta can all be used.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify that the other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Grill the chicken and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with the tomatoes and herbs just before serving.
Can I serve this pasta cold?
Absolutely. Allow the pasta and chicken to cool, then toss with the tomatoes, herbs, Parmesan, and a little olive oil for a delicious cold pasta salad.
How can I make it creamier?
Add heavy cream, softened cream cheese, or extra Parmesan. A spoonful of pesto also gives the pasta a richer texture.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers are all excellent additions.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Herbs is a simple, colorful meal that tastes like summer in a bowl.
Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and parsley, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for casual entertaining.
