Indulge in the comforting flavors of *Pasta Shells with Grilled Chicken Mozzarella*, a dish that strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fresh. This recipe features tender pasta shells tossed in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce infused with crushed red pepper and fragrant basil, delivering a burst of savory aroma with every bite. Juicy grilled chicken, seasoned with Italian herbs, pairs beautifully with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Perfect keywords: "pasta shells recipe," "grilled chicken dinner," "mozzarella pasta dish," and "easy Italian comfort food."
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet and stir in crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and half of the mozzarella cheese. Cook until the cheese begins to melt.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a large serving platter or bowl. Arrange the grilled chicken slices on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Calories |
3539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 114.8 g | 147% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.7 g | 204% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 498 mg | 166% | |
| Sodium | 5246 mg | 228% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 378.7 g | 138% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.1 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.0 g | ||
| Protein | 248.0 g | 496% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 2010 mg | 155% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 346 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.