Indulge in a hearty and wholesome culinary experience with our tantalizing recipe for Whole Grain Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Butternut Squash. This delectable dish combines the goodness of whole grain pasta, succulent grilled chicken, and roasted butternut squash, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the steps of preparing this nutritious and satisfying meal. Discover the art of grilling chicken to perfection, roasting butternut squash until caramelized, and creating a flavorful sauce that brings all the elements together. Along the way, unlock the secrets of cooking whole grain pasta al dente, ensuring a satisfying bite that complements the other ingredients. Get ready to savor a dish that is both nourishing and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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WHOLE GRAIN PASTA WITH GRILLED CHICKEN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH
This is a great high-protein meal. So yummy even the kids will want seconds! If you eliminate the chicken, this would also be a great vegetarian meal.
Provided by mstopka
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken
Time 1h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Combine squash, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, basil, sea salt, and pepper in a large bowl; toss until squash is coated with herbs. Transfer to a sheet pan.
- Place in the preheated oven and cook until squash pieces turn golden brown on the bottom, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, flip with spatula, and cook until tender, 15 to 20 more minutes.
- While squash is cooking, preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Brush chicken with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 3 to 4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove to a plate and cut into thin slices.
- While chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Top with roasted butternut squash and all oil and herbs from the sheet pan. Add chicken slices and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil if pasta seems dry.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 392 calories, Carbohydrate 48.4 g, Cholesterol 27.4 mg, Fat 15 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 19.1 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 198.9 mg, Sugar 4.9 g
BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH WHOLE GRAINS
Fresh thyme really shines in this hearty slow-cooked side dish featuring tender butternut squash, nutritious whole grain pilaf and vitamin-packed baby spinach. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 4h15m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 8 ingredients. Stir in broth., Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until grains are tender. Stir in spinach before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 97 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 252mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CHICKEN PASTA
The butternut squash somewhat melts into a delicious sauce coating the chicken and the pasta with all its lovely goodness. I got the idea from Everyday Italian's Giada DeLaurentis but left out the shrimp, eggplant and use chicken instead.
Provided by Texas Ladybug
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a heavy large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for just a minute. Add the cubed chicken and cook through. Add squash, rosemary and saute for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Decrease the heat to medium-low and simmer until the squash is tender and the liquid is reduced by about half, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring often. Drain pasta.
- Toss the pasta and squash mixture in a large bowl until the liquid thickens slightly and coats the pasta. Transfer the pasta mixture to a wide shallow bowl and serve.
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: Whole grain pasta is a healthier option than refined pasta, as it is higher in fiber and nutrients. It also has a lower glycemic index, which means it will not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
- Grill the chicken ahead of time: This will save you time on busy weeknights. You can grill the chicken up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
- Roast the butternut squash until it is tender: This will ensure that it is easy to mash and will add a delicious sweetness to the dish.
- Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really brings this dish together. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. If you're making your own, be sure to use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor.
- Serve with a side salad: This will help to round out the meal and make it more nutritious.
Conclusion:
This whole grain pasta with grilled chicken and butternut squash is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its combination of whole grains, protein, and vegetables, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
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