Chicken · Pasta
Creamy Rosa Grilled Chicken Pasta
A creamy, restaurant-style pasta made with grilled chicken, sautéed bell peppers, burst cherry tomatoes, and warm rosa sauce.
- Yield
- Serves 4
- Prep
- 15 minutes
- Cook
- 25 minutes
- Total
- 40 minutes
From Rudy’s notebook
recipes.rudyr.com/recipes/creamy-rosa-grilled-chicken-pasta
Ingredients
Serves 4
Grilled Chicken
- 2 largeboneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoonolive oil
- 1 teaspoongarlic powder
- 1 teaspoononion powder
- 1 teaspoonItalian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoonpaprika
- 3/4 teaspoonsalt
- 1/2 teaspoonblack pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ouncespasta, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine
- 1 jarcreamy rosa sauce, approximately 15 to 24 ounces
- 1bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved or left whole
- 1 tablespoonolive oil or butter
- 1 to 1 1/2 cupsshredded mozzarella, Italian-blend cheese, or grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cupreserved pasta water, as needed
Optional Additions
- 1 to 2 clovesgarlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoonred pepper flakes
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Method
Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Rub both sides with olive oil.
Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Season the chicken evenly on both sides.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F to 450°F.
Temperature: 400°FTemperature: 450°FGrill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Time: 6 to 8 minutesCook until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Temperature: 165°FTransfer the chicken to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
Time: 5 minutesSlice the chicken into strips.
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 approximately 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Time: 4 to 5 minutesAdd the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and beginning to burst.
Time: 2 to 3 minutesWhen using fresh garlic, add it during the final 30 seconds and stir continuously.
Time: 30 seconds
Warm the Rosa Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour the rosa sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
Stir occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes, until heated through.
Time: 3 to 5 minutesDo not allow the sauce to boil vigorously because cream-based sauces can separate.
Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Combine the Pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet.
Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Stir in the cheese until melted.
Fold in the sliced grilled chicken, or arrange it over the pasta when serving.
Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately with:
Extra Parmesan
Fresh basil or parsley
Cracked black pepper
Red pepper flakes
Garlic bread or a side salad
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Cook’s notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Add a small splash of milk, water, or pasta water while reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps it remain juicy.
- Keep the sauce over medium-low heat rather than boiling it.
- Pasta water helps thin the sauce without making it watery.
- The peppers and tomatoes can be lightly charred for additional flavor.
Take it with you
Kept in Rudy’s notebook.