Fresh & Flavorful Grilled Chicken Pasta Bowl with Herb Yogurt

📝 Description:

This vibrant pasta bowl brings together tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a refreshing herb yogurt sauce. Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and a creamy, tangy twist, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal ideal for lunch or dinner.

🌍 Origin:

This dish draws on Mediterranean and modern health-conscious cuisine, combining grilled meats, yogurt-based sauces, and fresh produce in a single nourishing bowl.

🧾 Ingredients (Quantities):

🍗 For the Grilled Chicken:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts – 2 large
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Dried oregano – 1 tsp
Paprika – ½ tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

🍝 For the Pasta Bowl:

Whole wheat or regular penne/fusilli pasta – 300g (10 oz)
Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
Cucumber – 1 medium, diced
Red bell pepper – 1, thinly sliced
Arugula or baby spinach – 2 cups
Red onion – ¼, thinly sliced (optional)

🧄 For the Herb Yogurt Sauce:

Greek yogurt – 1 cup
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Garlic – 1 clove, finely grated
Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
Fresh mint or dill – 1 tbsp, chopped
Salt – ¼ tsp
Pepper – to taste

🧂 Optional Ingredients:

Crumbled feta – ¼ cup
Avocado slices – ½ avocado per bowl
Kalamata olives – ¼ cup
Chili flakes – for heat
Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds – for crunch

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

🔹 1. Marinate and Grill the Chicken:

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

🔹 2. Cook the Pasta:

Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, rinse briefly with cool water, and set aside.

🔹 3. Make the Herb Yogurt Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Chill until ready to serve.

🔹 4. Assemble the Bowl:

In each serving bowl, add a layer of greens.
Top with pasta, grilled chicken slices, and chopped vegetables.
Drizzle generously with herb yogurt sauce.
Add optional toppings like feta, avocado, or seeds.

✅ Tips for Success:

Grill the chicken just before serving for best flavor and texture.
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier sauce.
Chill all components (except the chicken) if serving cold as a pasta salad.
Customize with seasonal vegetables or leftover roasted veggies.

💡 Recommendations:

Great for meal prep – keep components in separate containers and assemble when ready.
Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a gluten-free version.
Add chickpeas or lentils for extra plant-based protein.