Penne with chicken breast and sauce

Penne with Chicken Breast and Vegetable Sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

On a sunny day, when my husband wanted to treat us to a flavorful lunch, the perfect idea came to me: penne with chicken breast and a delicious vegetable sauce. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to use readily available ingredients and create a meal that will impress even the most discerning tastes. So, let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g penne pasta (or any preferred type)
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 200 g canned mushrooms, drained
- 6 peeled tomatoes, diced (or 400 g canned tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh or dried basil
- A handful of dried oregano
- Olive oil for cooking

Preparation steps:

1. Cooking the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Ensure that the water is boiling well before adding the pasta. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for an al dente texture). Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them drain well.

2. Preparing the sauce
While the pasta is boiling, you can start preparing the sauce. In a wok or large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers begin to soften. Add the canned mushrooms and diced tomatoes. Cover with a lid and let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Adding the chicken breast
Once the vegetables are well cooked, add the diced chicken breast and minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Continue to cook everything for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the flavors have combined.

4. Serving the dish
Once the sauce is ready, take a deep plate and add a generous layer of pasta. On top, place the sauce with chicken and vegetables, ensuring that each serving is well covered. For a touch of freshness, you can add a few fresh basil leaves.

Serving suggestions
This dish can be served alongside a fresh green salad with lemon and olive oil dressing, providing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. A glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade will perfectly complement the meal.

Possible variations
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or tempeh for a vegan option.
- Nutritional additions: Include vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for an extra boost of vitamins.
- Spicy sauce: If you like it spicy, add chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the vegetable sauce.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in protein thanks to the chicken breast, also providing plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while mushrooms add fiber and essential nutrients. This meal has approximately 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the portions of pasta and oil used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for added fiber and nutrients.
- How can I store the sauce?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove.
- Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Reheat it well before serving again.

So, as requested, this recipe for penne with chicken breast and vegetable sauce is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. I hope you enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 400 g pasta (penne) one chicken breast 2 onions 2 bell peppers 1 head of garlic 200 g canned mushrooms 6 peeled tomatoes salt pepper basil oregano

 Tags:  penne paste chicken pasta