Grilled Pesto Chicken Riggies: A Flavor-Packed Outdoor Pasta Dinner

Introduction

Grilled pesto chicken riggies bring together smoky grilled chicken, tender pasta, and a rich pesto cream sauce for a meal that feels both rustic and indulgent. This dish is ideal for anyone searching for an easy outdoor pasta recipe with big flavor and reliable results. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or just craving a hearty weeknight dinner, this version captures the charm of open-fire cooking while keeping everything simple and approachable. The combination of charred chicken, basil pesto, and mild heat makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite for all seasons.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta (riggies)

For the Pesto Cream Sauce

• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry peppers, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and season the chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Set aside while heating the grill.

Step 2: Grill the chicken

1. Heat your grill to medium-high.
2. Place chicken on the grill and cook 6 to 7 minutes per side.
3. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Cook the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the pesto cream sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in cherry peppers, tomatoes, pesto, and heavy cream.
4. Simmer until slightly thickened, then mix in Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Combine everything

1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
2. Slice grilled chicken and place on top.
3. Serve warm and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips

For the best grilled pesto chicken riggies, focus on balancing heat, texture, and timing. Don’t overcook the chicken; resting ensures juicy slices. Use high-quality pesto to enrich the sauce, or make your own for even fresher results. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of pasta water helps bring back the ideal consistency. Let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce for deeper flavor absorption. Freshly grated Parmesan also melts more smoothly, giving the dish a richer finish.

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or cooking preferences. You can swap proteins, adjust the heat level, or add vegetables for extra nutrients. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken.
• Add spinach or kale to the sauce.
• Use spicy pesto for more heat.
• Try sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.
• Swap rigatoni for penne or shells.

Best pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides and refreshing drinks that complement its smoky and creamy profile. A crisp green salad works well to balance richness, while garlic bread adds satisfying crunch. For beverages, consider wines or cocktails that highlight basil and grilled flavors.

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled garlic bread
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Light Italian pilsner
• Lemon basil spritzer

Conclusion

Grilled pesto chicken riggies deliver the perfect mix of comfort and outdoor-cooked flavor. With smoky chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and hearty pasta, this dish shines as both a casual weeknight dinner and an impressive weekend recipe. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients to match your preferences while keeping the experience simple and enjoyable. Whether you're grilling for friends or cooking for yourself, this recipe is an easy way to bring bold flavor to your table.