Chimichurri Chicken Pasta (Printable Version)

Grilled chicken and al dente pasta tossed in vibrant herby chimichurri sauce

# Ingredient List:

→ Chimichurri Sauce

01 - 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
06 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
07 - 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Chicken

10 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs)
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

15 - 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
16 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Garnish

17 - Extra chopped fresh parsley
18 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, shallot, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil. Season both sides evenly with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
04 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
05 - Toss hot pasta with half the chimichurri sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for coating. Top with sliced grilled chicken and remaining chimichurri. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The zesty chimichurri sauce provides a fresh, acidic kick that perfectly complements the smoky chicken.
  • It is a dairy-free pasta option that feels incredibly indulgent without the use of cream or cheese.
  • The recipe is easy to follow and comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
02 -
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil as it is the primary base of your sauce and significantly impacts the final taste.
  • Reserve the pasta cooking water even if the instruction seems short; adding a splash to the final toss helps the herby oil coat the noodles evenly.
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