Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Chicken Penne with Basil Chilli Parsley. Packed with perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender strips of seasoned chicken breast, and infused with the bold flavors of fresh basil, fragrant garlic, and a hint of red chilli flakes, this dish is a delightful fusion of comfort and zest. A light sauce of reduced chicken stock, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice ties everything together, while freshly grated parmesan delivers a luscious, cheesy finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy families or a cozy dinner for four. Garnish with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality touch, and savor every bite of this Italian-inspired masterpiece!
Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions (approximately 10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the minced garlic and red chilli flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken stock to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the liquid reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cooked penne pasta and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Add the sliced chicken, fresh basil leaves, parsley, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls and garnish with additional parsley or basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Calories |
1992 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.0 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.7 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 247 mg | 82% | |
| Sodium | 3793 mg | 165% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 226.8 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 124.9 g | 250% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 567 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1536 mg | 33% | |
*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.