Chicken and Penne Parmesan
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken and Penne Parmesan, a classic Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe marries tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with perfectly cooked penne, all enveloped in a rich garlic-tomato sauce infused with Italian seasoning and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. The dish is finished with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese that melts into the pasta, creating a creamy, savory coating, and is topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-skillet meal balances hearty, wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavors, making it an ideal choice for anyone craving a satisfying and easy dinner recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce, along with the reserved pasta water (starting with 1/4 cup and adding more if needed to adjust the sauce consistency). Toss to combine.
Stir in 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.
Top the pasta with the sliced chicken and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your Chicken and Penne Parmesan!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
476 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.1 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 908 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.5 g | ||
| Protein | 42.6 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 272 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 872 mg | 19% | |
*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.
