Italian Chicken and Penne

Savor the vibrant flavors of Italy with this hearty Italian Chicken and Penne recipe—a perfect blend of juicy seared chicken, tender penne pasta, and a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. Infused with aromatic Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of savory and lightly spicy notes. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil add the finishing touches to a meal that feels both comforting and elevated. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for weekend dinner parties. Serve this flavorful pasta dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

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 cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Mix well, then add the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 8

Top the pasta with the sliced chicken and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy your Italian Chicken and Penne!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1691 grams (1691.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2819

Total Fat 83.10g	107%
Saturated Fat 29.80g	149%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 424mg	141%
Sodium 5765mg	251%
Total Carbohydrate 296.80g	108%
Dietary Fiber 22.20g	79%
Total Sugars 22.20g
Protein 221.70g	443%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1514mg	116%
Iron 20mg	113%
Potassium 2372mg	50%

*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: 26.5%

Protein: 31.4%

Carbs: 42.1%