Chicken Penne with Mozzarella and Tomato
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Chicken Penne with Mozzarella and Tomato, a hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, infused with aromatic dried basil and oregano, and given a slight kick from red pepper flakes. Succulent chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and layered with creamy slices of melted fresh mozzarella, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and serves four. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly dinner or a romantic meal for two, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large (about 1 lb total) chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz (1 can) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz, sliced fresh mozzarella
- 0.25 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir the cooked penne into the tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Add the sliced cooked chicken to the skillet and gently toss to combine.
Top the pasta with fresh mozzarella slices and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the mozzarella to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken Penne with Mozzarella and Tomato!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4016 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.7 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.0 g | 230% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 913 mg | 304% | |
| Sodium | 5017 mg | 218% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.8 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.7 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.4 g | ||
| Protein | 390.5 g | 781% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 2056 mg | 158% | |
| Iron | 25.3 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 2700 mg | 57% | |
*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.
