Grilled Chicken Tomato Penne

Looking for a fresh, satisfying pasta dish that feels light yet filling? This Grilled Chicken Tomato Penne combines juicy, seasoned chicken with tender penne pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon-garlic dressing. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or a simple family dinner. Every bite is packed with fresh flavors, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. If you enjoy easy recipes that deliver restaurant-quality results at home, be sure to stay connected for more delicious inspiration!

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta, dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings evenly over both sides.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped basil or parsley. Stir well to create a fresh, flavorful dressing.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the bowl and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the tomato mixture.
6. Slice the grilled chicken into strips and gently fold it into the pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
8. Serve immediately while slightly warm, or chill for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold pasta meal.

🍽️ Serving Tips

This Grilled Chicken Tomato Penne pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this an excellent meal-prep option.

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