Penne with chicken

Penne with chicken - a delicious and comforting recipe that combines the savory flavors of vegetables with the juiciness of chicken and the perfect texture of pasta. This dish is ideal for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. Start your culinary adventure and get ready to indulge in a simple yet extremely satisfying recipe!

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 250 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or penne rigate)
- 250 g chicken breast (skinless)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 7 surimi sticks (crab)
- 4 tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Grated cheese or parmesan (to taste)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the pasta
1. In a large pot, add 1 liter of water and a teaspoon of salt. It is essential to salt the water to enhance the pasta's flavor.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and add a little olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking.
3. Once the water starts boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but stop cooking 1-2 minutes earlier, so they are al dente. This will keep their firm texture.
4. After the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables and meat
1. In a large pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pan. Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic, as it becomes bitter.
3. Cut the chicken breast into thick strips about a finger wide. Add the meat to the pan and cook until golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, peel and grate the carrot or cut it into sticks. Slice the bell pepper into strips.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, add the carrot and bell pepper to the pan. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
6. Cut the surimi sticks into large cubes and add them to the pan. Stir and let cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the tomato sauce
1. In another pot, add the peeled tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) chopped into cubes. Put them on medium heat.
2. Add oregano, thyme, and the tablespoon of tomato paste. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Assembling the dish
1. In a large bowl or on individual plates, place the cooked pasta. Add the meat and vegetable mixture on top.
2. Generously pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and gently mix to combine the flavors.
3. Sprinkle grated parmesan or your preferred cheese and the chopped parsley on top for an extra freshness.

Serving suggestions
These penne with chicken pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon and olive oil. You can also serve a glass of dry white wine to complete the culinary experience.

Delicious variations
- Penne with vegetables: Replace the chicken with tofu or other vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy penne: Add chili flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
- White sauce: Try replacing the tomato sauce with a creamy white sauce based on sour cream for a creamy version.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe offers a healthy combination of carbohydrates from pasta, protein from chicken, and plenty of vitamins from vegetables. It is a balanced meal that can be an excellent source of energy. A serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Can I replace chicken with another type of meat? Yes, turkey breast or even pork are excellent options.
- How can I make the recipe quicker? Use quick-cooking pasta and prepare the vegetables while the pasta boils.

This penne with chicken recipe is not just a delicious meal but also an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Feel free to put your personal touch on it! Cooking is about creativity and fun. So let’s enjoy every bite together!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 250 g short pasta, 250 g chicken breast, carrot, 1 yellow bell pepper, about 7 crab surimi sticks, 4 tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp chopped parsley for garnish, grated cheese or parmesan, 4-5 cloves of garlic, 1 large onion, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.