Italian Herb Chicken Penne
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Italian Herb Chicken Penne, a dish that brings classic Italian-inspired flavors right to your table. Tender penne pasta is tossed with juicy, golden-browned chicken and coated in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with a blend of aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Accented with garlic and a touch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick, this recipe perfectly balances heartiness and sophistication. A finishing touch of Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner. Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and season with 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook for 2 minutes, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and chicken. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Italian Herb Chicken Penne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2726 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.6 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.8 g | 199% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 446 mg | 149% | |
| Sodium | 3870 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 279.3 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.8 g | ||
| Protein | 169.9 g | 340% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 591 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 18.8 mg | 104% | |
| Potassium | 1668 mg | 35% | |
*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.
