Grilled Italian Chicken and Pasta is a simple and delicious summertime dinner that is perfect for those warm evenings when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. This dish is easy to make and uses Italian dressing to add fantastic flavor to the BBQ chicken and vegetables!
The recipe for grilled chicken and vegetables is simple to follow, and it doesn’t require any complicated techniques or ingredients. This Italian dressing chicken is made with under 10 ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes!
![Grilled Italian Chicken is a simple & delicious summer dinner. Italian dressing adds fantastic flavor in the tender grilled chicken & vegetables.](https://butterwithasideofbread.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Grilled-Italian-Chicken-Pasta.BSB_.IMG_0273.jpg)
Tuscan Grilled Chicken Pasta
Italian Grilled Chicken and Pasta is my favorite to-to summertime meal because it is a perfect combination of simple and delicious. The recipe uses Italian dressing to add fantastic flavor to the BBQ chicken with vegetables. This is a meal that can be whipped up at 5pm when you haven’t planned anything for dinner, and still put a well rounded and tasty meal on the table!
There’s something about this pasta that will really have you feeling like you are sitting in a Tuscan villa somewhere. Maybe it’s the zesty dressing, maybe it’s the fresh cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and parmesan cheese. Whatever it is, it is incredibly delicious and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick and easy to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This recipe is packed with healthy and nutritious ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and pasta. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of protein and veggies.
- Versatile: This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or even swap out the pasta for a different type of grain.
Italian Chicken and Pasta Ingredients
Chicken: Use 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been pounded thin, for the protein in this main dish.
Italian dressing: You will need about 12-oz (half of a 24-oz bottle) of zesty Italian dressing. You’re welcome to use any type of story-bought or even homemade salad dressing. I tend to use Kraft since it’s inexpensive and tastes great.
Grape tomatoes: For added fresh taste and a pop of color, throw in 1 cup of grape tomatoes.
Zucchini: Adding 2-3 zucchini, chopped, gives the dish a fresh taste and more variety. You can cut the zucchini into spears for easy grilling, or cut it into smaller pieces and use a grill basket like I did.
Pasta: I use half of a 12-ounce sized box of bow tie pasta for this recipe. You can make more, just be sure to double the rest of the recipe to accommodate the additional pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Using ½ cup of parmesan cheese will add even more incredible flavor to this pasta dish.
Salt and Pepper: This is added in “to taste,” meaning that you can add in more or less depending on what you prefer.
How to make Grilled Italian Chicken & Pasta
Marinate
Get started by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel. Then using a meat tenderizer, pound the chicken into thin, even pieces.
If you have the time, marinate the chicken in about ⅓ cup of the Italian dressing for 3-4 hours. But, if you don’t have the time, combine the chicken and dressing and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Prep
Once you are ready to start cooking, get your grill heating up.
While that is preheating, heat up the water needed to boil your pasta in. Proceed to boil the pasta in salted water as directed on the package.
Get the zucchini prepped as well, slice it into spears or cubes depending on your preference.
Grill
Place the chicken and zucchini on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on both sides.
Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top of the chicken while cooking and brush the chicken and zucchini with Italian dressing as it is grilling.
Flip the chicken over and cook on the other side for 5-7 more minutes and brush with more Italian dressing.
Depending on the size of your chicken and zucchini, the veggies might take a little longer to cook than the chicken. The chicken is finished when it reaches 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.
Combine
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to a serving bowl. Proceed to pour in ¼ cup of Italian dressing and the grape tomatoes, toss well to combine. Then add in the grilled zucchini, toss again.
Just before serving, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top.
Serve the pasta with the grilled chicken and enjoy!
Grilled Italian Chicken and Pasta
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
- 12 oz zesty Italian salad dressing half a 24-oz bottle, divided
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 2-3 zucchini cut into pieces
- 6 ounces bow tie pasta half a 12oz box
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate: Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel. Then using a meat tenderizer, pound the chicken into thin, even pieces.
- If you have the time, marinate the chicken in about ⅓ cup of the Italian dressing for 3-4 hours. If you don't have the time, combine the chicken and dressing and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Prep: Get your grill heating up. While that is preheating, heat up the water needed to boil your pasta in. Boil the pasta in salted water as directed on the package. Get the zucchini prepped as well, slice it into spears or cubes depending on your preference.
- Grill : Place the chicken and zucchini on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on both sides.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top of the chicken while cooking and brush the chicken and zucchini with Italian dressing as it is grilling. Flip the chicken over and cook on the other side for 5-7 more minutes and brush with more Italian dressing.
- Depending on the size of your chicken and zucchini, the veggies might take a little longer to cook than the chicken. The chicken is finished when it reaches 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.
- Combine: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to a serving bowl. Pour in ¼ cup of Italian dressing and the grape tomatoes, toss well to combine. Add in the grilled zucchini, toss again. Just before serving, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top. Serve the pasta with the grilled chicken and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Serving Suggestions for Italian Chicken & Pasta
Dishes that pair well: Grilled Italian Chicken and Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great option to balance out the rich flavors of the chicken and pasta. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant also make a great accompaniment. Alternatively, a side of garlic bread or bruschetta can be a delicious addition to this meal.
Garnishing for Enhanced Flavor: Garnishing can enhance the flavor and presentation of Grilled Italian Chicken and Pasta. Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme can add a burst of flavor and color to the dish. Additionally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the dish’s savory notes. For a pop of color, a few slices of cherry tomatoes or a handful of arugula can be a great finishing touch.
How long are leftover pasta & chicken good for?
You can keep the leftovers from the recipe in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. I recommend adding a little more dressing while reheating if you feel like the chicken or pasta is a tad too dry.
How can you adapt Italian BBQ chicken recipes for oven cooking?
To adapt Italian BBQ chicken recipes for oven cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also add vegetables to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.
What are the steps to make Italian BBQ chicken in a crockpot?
To make Italian BBQ chicken in a crockpot, place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker with any desired vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. For a crispier texture, broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the crockpot.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Grilling
Grilling is a popular summertime activity, but it’s important to take safety precautions to prevent accidents. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable grilling experience:
- Always grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from any flammable materials such as trees, bushes, or buildings.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies, and make sure everyone knows how to use it.
- Use long-handled grilling utensils to avoid burns and keep a safe distance from the heat.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep children and pets away from the grill at all times.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to the appropriate temperature, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
- When finished grilling, make sure the coals are completely extinguished before disposing of them in a metal container.
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Grilled Italian Chicken and Pasta an easy & flavorful summertime dinner. Using Italian dressing adds zesty flavor to this BBQ chicken with veggies, and pairs well with the pasta too!
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