Delicious Penne Pasta Recipe with Chicken Breast and Tomato Sauce: A Quick and Simple Feast
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I’m sharing a simple and delicious penne pasta recipe with chicken breast, perfect for a quick dinner that will surely impress your family and friends. This dish combines accessible and easy-to-find ingredients, transforming them into a nourishing meal full of flavor.
A Bit of History
Pasta, a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, has a fascinating history. From its earliest forms made from ground grains to today’s more sophisticated preparations, pasta has evolved into a symbol of conviviality. Combined with chicken breast and a vibrant tomato sauce, this dish becomes not only a source of energy but also a reason for joy around the table.
Required Ingredients
- 1 package of penne (approximately 400 g)
- 300 ml cream
- 200 g cheese (preferably a type that melts well)
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300 g)
- Salt (to taste)
- 50 ml sunflower oil (or a quality olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 300 ml water
Ingredient Tips
For this recipe, choose a fresh, skinless chicken breast that will remain juicy and flavorful. You can also substitute the cheese with mozzarella or a mix of cheeses if you prefer a more sophisticated flavor. The cream is essential for achieving a creamy sauce, but you can use a light, fat-free version if you want to reduce calories.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe offers approximately 550 calories per serving, making it an excellent source of protein thanks to the chicken breast and cheese. Whole grain pasta can add fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Rosemary and basil are not only aromatic spices but also herbs with antioxidant properties that can support overall health.
Step by Step: Cooking the Recipe
1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into cubes of about 2-3 cm to ensure even cooking. Peel and finely chop the onion, and you can leave the pasta in the package until you are ready to boil it.
2. Boiling the Chicken Breast: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the chicken breast and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it becomes tender and fully cooked. After it’s done, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly, then cut it into cubes.
3. Boiling the Pasta: In the same water (or in another pot), add the penne pasta with a little oil and salt. Cook according to the package instructions (usually between 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally. When done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Preparing the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the tomato paste and 300 ml of water, mix well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Adding the Chicken Breast: Stir the chicken cubes into the tomato sauce along with the spices: salt, rosemary, basil, pepper, and chili powder if you want a spicier flavor. Let it simmer together for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Mixing the Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cream and grated cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
7. Serving: Plate the pasta and pour the sauce on top. You can add a handful of grated cheese for an even more appetizing look. A garnish of fresh basil on top will add a touch of freshness and color.
Possible Variations
This recipe allows for many variations. You can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added richness. You can also substitute the chicken breast with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice, adding extra fiber and nutrients.
2. What other spices can I use? You can experiment with oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a unique flavor.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier? Add more chili powder or a few drops of Tabasco sauce to the sauce.
Serving and Pairings
These penne pasta with chicken breast pair wonderfully with a fresh, crunchy green salad. A great drink choice would be a dry white wine or even herbal tea for a more relaxed meal. This dish can also be enjoyed with a slice of homemade bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
This penne pasta recipe with chicken breast and tomato sauce is not only simple but also full of flavor. With every serving, bring a touch of joy to the plates of your loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and add your personal touches. Cooking is an art that improves with each attempt, so don’t be afraid to explore! Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I’m sharing a simple and delicious penne pasta recipe with chicken breast, perfect for a quick dinner that will surely impress your family and friends. This dish combines accessible and easy-to-find ingredients, transforming them into a nourishing meal full of flavor.
A Bit of History
Pasta, a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, has a fascinating history. From its earliest forms made from ground grains to today’s more sophisticated preparations, pasta has evolved into a symbol of conviviality. Combined with chicken breast and a vibrant tomato sauce, this dish becomes not only a source of energy but also a reason for joy around the table.
Required Ingredients
- 1 package of penne (approximately 400 g)
- 300 ml cream
- 200 g cheese (preferably a type that melts well)
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300 g)
- Salt (to taste)
- 50 ml sunflower oil (or a quality olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 300 ml water
Ingredient Tips
For this recipe, choose a fresh, skinless chicken breast that will remain juicy and flavorful. You can also substitute the cheese with mozzarella or a mix of cheeses if you prefer a more sophisticated flavor. The cream is essential for achieving a creamy sauce, but you can use a light, fat-free version if you want to reduce calories.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe offers approximately 550 calories per serving, making it an excellent source of protein thanks to the chicken breast and cheese. Whole grain pasta can add fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Rosemary and basil are not only aromatic spices but also herbs with antioxidant properties that can support overall health.
Step by Step: Cooking the Recipe
1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into cubes of about 2-3 cm to ensure even cooking. Peel and finely chop the onion, and you can leave the pasta in the package until you are ready to boil it.
2. Boiling the Chicken Breast: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the chicken breast and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it becomes tender and fully cooked. After it’s done, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly, then cut it into cubes.
3. Boiling the Pasta: In the same water (or in another pot), add the penne pasta with a little oil and salt. Cook according to the package instructions (usually between 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally. When done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Preparing the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the tomato paste and 300 ml of water, mix well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Adding the Chicken Breast: Stir the chicken cubes into the tomato sauce along with the spices: salt, rosemary, basil, pepper, and chili powder if you want a spicier flavor. Let it simmer together for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Mixing the Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cream and grated cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
7. Serving: Plate the pasta and pour the sauce on top. You can add a handful of grated cheese for an even more appetizing look. A garnish of fresh basil on top will add a touch of freshness and color.
Possible Variations
This recipe allows for many variations. You can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added richness. You can also substitute the chicken breast with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice, adding extra fiber and nutrients.
2. What other spices can I use? You can experiment with oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a unique flavor.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier? Add more chili powder or a few drops of Tabasco sauce to the sauce.
Serving and Pairings
These penne pasta with chicken breast pair wonderfully with a fresh, crunchy green salad. A great drink choice would be a dry white wine or even herbal tea for a more relaxed meal. This dish can also be enjoyed with a slice of homemade bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
This penne pasta recipe with chicken breast and tomato sauce is not only simple but also full of flavor. With every serving, bring a touch of joy to the plates of your loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and add your personal touches. Cooking is an art that improves with each attempt, so don’t be afraid to explore! Enjoy your meal!