Girl Dinner Pasta Board (Print Version)

A shareable board with three pastas, sauces, and grilled chicken strips, perfect for mixing flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pastas

01 - 3.5 oz spaghetti
02 - 3.5 oz penne
03 - 3.5 oz farfalle

→ Chicken

04 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Sauces

08 - 1 cup marinara sauce
09 - 1 cup Alfredo sauce
10 - 1 cup pesto sauce

→ Toppings & Garnishes

11 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
14 - ¼ cup black olives, sliced
15 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti, penne, and farfalle individually according to package directions. Drain and toss each with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
02 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
03 - Grill chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
04 - Heat marinara, Alfredo, and pesto sauces in separate small saucepans over low heat.
05 - Place the three pasta types in separate sections on a large serving board or platter.
06 - Arrange the grilled chicken strips alongside the pastas on the board.
07 - Spoon each warmed sauce into small bowls and position them on the board.
08 - Place Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and olives in bowls or piles on the board.
09 - Lightly drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the pasta just before serving.
10 - Invite guests to combine pastas, sauces, and toppings according to their preferences.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everyone gets to build their own flavor combination, so there's never an argument about what to eat.
  • It looks effortlessly impressive on the table but requires minimal actual cooking skill.
  • You can prep everything ahead and let your guests graze at their own pace, which means you actually get to enjoy the meal too.
02 -
  • Don't skip letting the chicken rest—those five minutes make the difference between juicy and dry, and you'll taste it immediately.
  • Cooking the pastas separately and tossing them with oil might feel fussy, but it prevents them from clumping together and saves you mid-dinner when someone wants a forkful of just penne.
03 -
  • Make the chicken the day before and slice it cold—it actually tastes cleaner and fresher, and your timing becomes almost stress-free.
  • Set out small plates and forks even though it's a board—it makes eating from a platter feel less chaotic and way more intentional.
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