Save This Garlic Herb Chicken & Veg Pasta is a vibrant and hearty main dish that brings together tender roasted chicken and a rainbow of fresh vegetables. Tossed with penne in a light, aromatic sauce, it’s a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and visually stunning, perfect for any night of the week.
Save The secret to this dish lies in roasting the chicken and vegetables together on a single tray, allowing the natural juices and garlic-infused oils to meld together, creating a simple yet deeply flavorful base for the penne pasta.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper.
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 zucchini (half-moons), 1 small red onion (sliced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup broccoli florets.
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta, 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ cup reserved pasta water.
- Finish: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), zest of 1 lemon (optional), extra salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Step 3
- Place chicken on one side of the tray. Arrange bell pepper, zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and broccoli on the other side. Drizzle vegetables with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread in a single layer.
- Step 4
- Roast for 20–25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 74°C (165°F). Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 5
- Meanwhile, cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 6
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the pasta, roasted vegetables, sliced chicken, and reserved pasta water. Toss gently to heat through.
- Step 7
- Stir in Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon zest if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Be sure to let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing; this keeps the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out when tossed with the pasta. Additionally, always reserve a bit of the starchy pasta water to help the light sauce coat the penne evenly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. You can substitute the listed vegetables for others like asparagus, mushrooms, or spinach depending on what is in season. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and double the quantity of vegetables.
Serviervorschläge
This Italian-inspired dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Serve it warm with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors.
Save With its blend of roasted savory chicken and tender-crisp vegetables, this Garlic Herb Chicken & Veg Pasta is a complete, balanced meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken with herbs and oil several hours in advance. Chop vegetables the night before and store separately. However, it's best to roast and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
- → What vegetables work best as substitutes?
Asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, snap peas, or eggplant are excellent alternatives. Adjust roasting time based on vegetable density—softer vegetables like spinach should be added near the end.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. The chicken will also be opaque throughout with no pink inside.
- → Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and double the vegetable quantities. The roasted vegetables provide excellent substance and nutrition. Consider adding white beans or lentils for extra protein.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Crisp, light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the fresh herbs and vegetables beautifully. Their acidity balances the richness of the Parmesan and olive oil.
- → Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh. For example, 1 tablespoon fresh basil equals about 1 teaspoon dried. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.