Chicken Penne Pasta (33-38 Minutes)

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Ah, the classic appeal of chicken and pasta. This recipe combines tender chunks of chicken and perfectly al dente penne with a subtly flavorful light red sauce. With a generous topping of melted cheese, this dish strikes a balance between simplicity and indulgence, perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or a cheese blend of your choice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta (10-12 minutes): In a pot of boiling salted water, cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken (10 minutes): While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a larger skillet. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce (8-10 minutes): In the same skillet, add a tad more oil if needed. Sauté the onions until translucent. Add minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add oregano and basil, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
  4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce (5 minutes): Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Serve (5 minutes): Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the pasta in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes until the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a preheated broiler for a couple of minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Notes

For an added layer of flavor, consider incorporating a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar to the sauce. Fresh basil can be used in place of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Pair this delightful dish with a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete, hearty meal.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/chicken-penne-pasta-33-38-minutes/