Budget Friendly Chicken Pasta

Whip up a satisfying and wallet-friendly meal with this Budget Friendly Chicken Pasta, a perfect choice for easy weeknight dinners! Featuring tender pieces of seasoned chicken breast, al dente penne pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with fragrant garlic and Italian herbs, this recipe delivers big flavor without breaking the bank. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and wholesome dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Optional toppings like freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil add an elegant touch, but the recipe shines just as brightly on its own. Whether you're planning a cozy family meal or a budget-conscious dinner, this one-pot wonder is your new go-to recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Penne pasta
• 2 pieces Chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 400 grams Canned diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 5 leaves Fresh basil (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes (along with their juices) to the skillet. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 6

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and chicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 9

Serve the chicken pasta warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1138.3 grams (1138.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2417

Total Fat 68.60g	88%
Saturated Fat 17.30g	87%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.30g
Cholesterol 259mg	86%
Sodium 4367mg	190%
Total Carbohydrate 313.10g	114%
Dietary Fiber 23.10g	83%
Total Sugars 11.70g
Protein 139.30g	279%

Vitamin D 11IU	53%
Calcium 786mg	60%
Iron 20mg	109%
Potassium 2377mg	51%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.4%

Protein: 23.0%

Carbs: 51.6%