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Simple Garden Pasta with Garlic Herb Chicken

Simple garden pasta with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and grilled garlic herb chicken

Yesterday I took a day off… the kind where you don’t really do anything except exist on the couch, recharge a bit, and let the world slow down for a minute. No big plans, no complicated recipes.

And then my wife went into the kitchen and threw this together.

Nothing fancy. Just pasta, peppers, onion, tomatoes, garlic… the usual things sitting around that don’t always feel exciting on their own.

It tasted like something fresh. Like summer trying to show up early. Like eating a little garden.

The pasta was light but still comforting, the peppers added that soft sweetness, and the garlic tied everything together in the best way. And the grilled chicken on the side? Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and exactly what it needed to make it feel like a full, satisfying meal.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method: , , , ,
Cuisine: ,
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 2
Calories: 610
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Dietary: can be dairy-free, can be gluten-free
Description

A quick, fresh pasta made with garlic, tomatoes, onion, and sweet yellow peppers, topped with herbs and cheese and served with juicy garlic herb grilled chicken.

Ingredients
    Pasta
  • 200-250 g pasta (rotini or any you like)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small red onion (chopped)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped or cherry tomatoes)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • ½ tsp dried oregano (or fresh herbs)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
    • Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • Salt & pepper
Instructions
    Cook the pasta
  1. 1
  2. 2

    Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (tender but still slightly firm), according to package directions.

  3. 3
    Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
    4. Cook the chicken
  4. 4
  5. 5
    Season chicken with olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6
    Cook in a pan or grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
  7. 7
    Rest and slice.
    8. Build the sauce
  8. 8
  9. 9
    In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  10. 10
    Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  11. 11
    Add garlic and yellow pepper, cook another 2–3 minutes.
  12. 12
    Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  13. 13
    Cook for about 5 minutes until everything softens into a light sauce.
    14. Combine
  14. 14
  15. 15
    Add the cooked pasta to the pan.
  16. 16
    Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
    17. Finish
  17. 17
  18. 18
    Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs.
  19. 19
    Top with parmesan cheese.
  20. 20
    Serve with sliced garlic herb chicken on the side or on top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Serving Size 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 610kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 420mg18%
Potassium 720mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 54g18%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 7g
Protein 41g82%
Calcium 180 mg
Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up
  • Add spinach at the end for extra greens
  • Use any pasta you have on hand. We used gluten-free brown rice pasta
  • She made the chicken in our Ninja Foodi Grill and it gave it that perfect slightly grilled, juicy finish. You can easily cook it in a pan or oven too.

Nutritional information is estimated based on average ingredient values and may vary depending on exact products, brands, and portion sizes used. This information should be used as a general guideline only.

Keywords: Quick & Easy, Weeknight Friendly, Family Friendly, Budget Friendly, Beginner Friendly, Comfort Food, Fresh & Light, One-Pan Friendly, Ninja Friendly
Read it online: https://kimberleyskookbook.com/recipe/simple-garden-pasta-with-garlic-herb-chicken/
Kimberley
Sharing my Kookbook collection of simple home-cooked recipes and cozy kitchen moments.

Hi, I’m Kimberley — welcome to Kimberley’s Kookbook.

This is my little corner of the internet where I share my Kookbook collection of simple home-cooked recipes and cozy kitchen moments. I love creating approachable, no-fuss meals that feel comforting, healthy, nourishing, and made with heart. My kitchen isn’t about perfection — it’s about real food, real life, and sharing meals with the people we love.

Here you’ll find everyday recipes, fresh flavors, healthy twists on comfort food, and a sprinkle of kitchen joy along the way. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope my recipes make your table feel warm and welcoming. So grab a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and let’s cook something delicious together.

💜 Kimberley

Thank you for visiting my Kookbook :)