Creamy Chicken and Kale Penne Delight
Indulge in this colorful and satisfying creamy chicken and kale penne dish that effortlessly marries the rich flavors of sautéed chicken and greens. With the added zing of garlic and the creamy texture from feta, this meal is both nutritious and pleasing to the palate. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this one-dish meal beautifully complements the bold tastes of asparagus or roasted vegetables, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Pair it with a smooth Merlot to elevate your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked penne
4 cups (cooked)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
chicken breasts
2 (boneless and skinless, or use 2 cups of cooked chicken)
fresh kale
4 cups (roughly chopped with stems removed)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
feta cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled)
butter
1 tablespoon (for richness)
chicken broth or pasta water
1/2 cup (for sauce)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the chicken breasts (or leftover chicken), seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until fully cooked and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 6-7 minutes per side).
4
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan, allow it to rest for a few minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
5
In the same skillet, add the chopped kale and minced garlic, cooking until the kale is wilted and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Return the diced chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked penne, butter, and crumbled feta cheese. Stir everything together.
7
Pour in the chicken broth or pasta water to create a sauce that coats the pasta. Adjust the amount of liquid based on your preference for creaminess.
8
Toss to combine, allowing everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Chicken and Kale Penne Delight.
What are the primary proteins and greens used?
The main protein is chicken breast and the primary green is fresh kale.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal in the tags.
How many cups of cooked penne are required?
You will need 4 cups of cooked penne for this recipe.
What type of cheese is used to add creaminess?
Crumbled feta cheese is used to provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
What temperature should the chicken reach to be fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of leftover or pre-cooked chicken instead of fresh breasts.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the kale be prepared?
The kale should be roughly chopped with the stems removed.
What is the recommended wine pairing for this meal?
A smooth Merlot is recommended to elevate the dining experience.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What liquid creates the sauce?
You can use either 1/2 cup of chicken broth or pasta water to create the sauce.
How long does the kale need to cook?
Sauté the kale in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes until it is wilted and tender.
What side vegetables go well with this dish?
Asparagus or roasted vegetables are excellent side dish choices.
When is the butter added?
The butter is added toward the end along with the cooked penne and feta cheese.
Is the dish seasoned with anything specific?
It is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
How much feta cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How long should I cook the raw chicken breasts per side?
Sauté the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
What should I do after the chicken is cooked but before dicing?
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
One tablespoon of butter is used to add richness to the dish.
Can I adjust the creaminess of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of liquid used based on your preference for creaminess.
How many cups of fresh kale are needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of fresh kale.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Use medium-high heat for heating the olive oil and cooking the chicken.
Is this a quick meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as both a quick meal and an easy recipe.
What type of chicken breasts are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
When do I add the cooked penne to the skillet?
Add the cooked penne after the kale and garlic have been sautéed and the chicken is returned to the pan.
How long do you heat the final mixture once all ingredients are combined?
Toss everything together and allow it to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
Is this meal suitable for a cozy dinner?
Yes, the description highlights it as a perfect choice for a cozy dinner.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Start by cooking the penne according to package instructions, then drain and set it aside.