Penne with mushrooms, chicken breast, and tomato sauce

Penne with Mushrooms, Chicken Breast, and Tomato Sauce

The culinary journey we propose today is filled with flavors, textures, and vibrant colors, offering you a recipe for penne with mushrooms, chicken breast, and tomato sauce that will bring a touch of joy to every meal. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe Story
Penne is a type of pasta originating from Italy, characterized by its distinctive tubular shape and angled ends. They are ideal for absorbing rich sauces, making them the perfect choice in combination with the ingredients we will use. Meanwhile, the mushrooms and chicken breast bring a savory flavor and pleasant texture. The tomato sauce will envelop everything in a vibrant red velvety layer, delighting both the eyes and the taste buds.

Ingredients
- 400g penne
- 350g mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster mushrooms)
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 400ml canned tomatoes (preferably crushed or diced)
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 4 onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- Fresh or dried basil
- Fresh or dried rosemary
- Dried oregano
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-step Preparation

1. Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt (about 1-2 tablespoons) to flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the penne and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes) until al dente. When ready, drain well and set aside.

2. Preparing the Tomato Sauce
In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until golden (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn it! Add the tomatoes with their juice, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add salt and a tablespoon of dried oregano. Use a fork to crush the tomatoes, creating a smoother sauce. Drizzle in a bit more olive oil, increase the heat to high, and let the sauce boil for 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Set the sauce aside.

3. Sautéing the Mushrooms and Onions
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté over high heat for 10 minutes, until they soften and release their moisture. Once done, transfer them to a bowl.

4. Cooking the Chicken
In the same skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil and heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken over high heat until golden (about 7-10 minutes).

5. Combining the Ingredients
Add the sautéed mushrooms, tomato sauce, cooked penne, feta cheese, parmesan, chicken broth, and white wine to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add basil, rosemary, oregano, and adjust the taste with salt and pepper, if necessary. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Serving
Once all ingredients are well combined, turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve the penne hot, perhaps with an extra serving of grated parmesan and a side of crisp green salad. A slice of fresh bread will perfectly complement this dish.

Practical Tips
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version.
- For more flavor: Add some black or green olives to the tomato sauce for an extra burst of taste.
- Types of pasta: If you don’t have penne, you can use any other similarly shaped pasta, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- Olive oil: Use a quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
- Finding the perfect balance: When adding salt, keep in mind that cheese and chicken broth can already be salty, so adjust carefully.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe for penne with mushrooms, chicken breast, and tomato sauce is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Mushrooms are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, while chicken breast provides quality protein. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, feta and parmesan cheese add calcium and protein, making this dish a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I use instead of canned tomatoes? You can use fresh tomatoes, but make sure to peel and crush them well.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and ingredients a day ahead, and then combine them when you’re ready to serve.
- How can I add some spice? If you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add a chopped chili pepper to the tomato sauce.

This recipe is not just a simple dish; it’s a cooking experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. Whether you prepare it for yourself, your family, or friends, penne with mushrooms, chicken breast, and tomato sauce will surely be a hit at the table. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s enjoy this delicious recipe together! Bon appétit!