Grilled Chicken Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce
Transport your taste buds to Italy with this delightful Grilled Chicken Penne Pasta dish! A family favorite, this recipe combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with tender grilled chicken, all enveloped in a rich, homemade tomato basil sauce. The fresh flavors of garlic, onions, and herbs create a comforting and hearty one-dish meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It's a recipe cherished since my teenage years, continually evolving to maintain its cherished flavors. Serve it with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for an unforgettably satisfying meal.
6
Servings
366
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onion
1/2 medium (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can
tomato sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can
tomato juice
1 (6 ounce) can
basil
2 tablespoons (chopped fresh)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped fresh)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
salt
1 teaspoon
grilled chicken breasts
2 (sliced)
penne pasta
2 cups
Parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato juice. Stir in the basil, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.
4
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the sliced grilled chicken and allow everything to meld together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
Once the chicken and sauce mixture has simmered, gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce until well coated.
7
Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
42g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Chicken Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce?
It is a delightful Italian-inspired dish combining al dente penne pasta, tender grilled chicken, and a rich, homemade tomato basil sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 366 calories.
What are the main nutritional components?
Each serving provides 10g of fat, 42g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves.
What canned tomato products are needed?
You will need one 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes, one 14.5 ounce can of tomato sauce, and one 6 ounce can of tomato juice.
Should I use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil for the best flavor.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is fresh parsley included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
How much salt is added to the sauce?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the chicken preparation for this dish?
You should use 2 grilled chicken breasts that have been sliced.
How much penne pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of penne pasta.
What cheese is used for serving?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used to taste as a topping.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion in olive oil for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
When should I add the minced garlic?
Add the garlic after the onions are translucent and cook for one additional minute.
How long does the sauce simmer with the chicken?
Once the sauce is brought to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer with the chicken for about 10 minutes.
What texture should the pasta be?
The penne pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Once the sauce has simmered, gently fold the cooked and drained penne pasta into the sauce until well coated.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can I add extra pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
What are some tags associated with this dish?
Tags include grilled chicken, penne pasta, tomato sauce, basil, italian cuisine, and comfort food.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the garlic frequently while cooking to prevent it from burning.
Does the recipe require boiling water?
Yes, for cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water.
What is the origin of the sauce?
The recipe features a homemade tomato basil sauce based on a family favorite recipe.
What should I do after draining the pasta?
After draining, set the pasta aside until the sauce and chicken mixture is ready to be folded in.
What is the final garnish?
The final garnish is freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.
Is the chicken cooked in the sauce?
The chicken is already grilled and sliced before being added to the sauce to simmer and meld flavors.