Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Veggies Recipe

It has been extremely hot around here and I've been trying to prepare my family's meals by using our outdoor grill. There is no way that I'm heating up my kitchen by using the oven on 90+ degree hot & humid days. For the past 3 weeks, I've been utilizing my crockpot and our backyard grill. Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of Pasta Fits. You can find oodles of free recipes on their website.

Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Veggies Recipe

4 oz. ziti
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil for brushing
1 (6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breast
8 oz. romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
8 oz. ½ bunch asparagus, trimmed of tough stems
½ tsp. lemon zest
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. grated garlic

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions. Drain and reserve.

Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and a little of the oil. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 3 – 4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Reserve. Brush the romaine and the asparagus with the remaining oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the romaine and asparagus on the grill. The romaine will start to char on the outside, turn to allow all sides to get a little char, about 3 minutes total. Remove from the grill and reserve. The asparagus will turn bright green and have grill marks when it’s ready, also about 3 minutes. Remove from grill and reserve. When the chicken, romaine and asparagus are cool enough to handle, chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks, roughly chop the romaine, and slice the asparagus into 2” pieces. Reserve.

In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Place the chicken, romaine, asparagus and ziti in a bowl and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.