Penne Pasta Primavera with Herbed Chicken and Crispy Pancetta
Satisfy your family's cravings with this deliciously vibrant Penne Pasta Primavera featuring tender chiken and crispy pancetta. This one-pan wonder combines the robust flavors of sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs with al dente penne pasta, all finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. Delight your taste buds and brighten your dinner table with this savory pasta experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided for various cooking stages)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning chicken and pasta water)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
skinless chicken strips
16 ounces (washed and patted dry)
pancetta
2 ounces (julienne)
garlic cloves
3 (finely chopped)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup (cut in half)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
penne pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente)
parmigiano
1/2 cup (grated)
fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
Fill a large pot with cold water, add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil, then bring to a rolling boil.
2
While the water is heating, wash the chicken strips and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and keep warm.
4
In a small skillet, heat an additional tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Add the julienne pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
5
In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and lightly browned.
6
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chopped basil and oregano, and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes are warmed through and their skins are slightly blistered.
7
Meanwhile, add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
8
Add the drained pasta to the large skillet with the tomato mixture. Gently toss to combine and allow the pasta to absorb the flavors. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
9
Mix in the grated Parmigiano and chopped Italian parsley. Toss gently to distribute the cheese evenly.
10
To serve, plate the pasta and top with the sautéed chicken and crispy pancetta. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penne Pasta Primavera with Herbed Chicken and Crispy Pancetta?
It is a vibrant, one-pan pasta dish featuring al dente penne, sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, tender chicken, and crispy pancetta.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of penne pasta cooked until al dente.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 16 ounces of skinless chicken strips.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Wash the chicken strips, pat them dry with paper towels, and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How long does it take to sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken strips for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until cooked through and no longer pink.
What is the recommended amount of pancetta?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of pancetta.
How should the pancetta be cut?
The pancetta should be cut into a julienne style.
How do I cook the pancetta to make it crispy?
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over low heat in a small skillet and cook the pancetta for about 5 minutes.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for various cooking stages.
How much garlic should be used?
Use 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the finely chopped garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant and lightly browned.
What type of tomatoes are used in this Primavera?
The recipe uses 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook?
Sauté the cherry tomatoes for 3-4 minutes until they are warmed through and their skins are slightly blistered.
Which fresh herbs are included?
The dish includes fresh basil, fresh oregano, and fresh Italian parsley.
What type of cheese is added to the pasta?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano cheese.
When should I add the Parmigiano cheese?
Mix the grated Parmigiano into the pasta after combining the pasta with the tomato mixture and before serving.
How should I prepare the fresh basil and oregano?
Both the basil and oregano should be roughly chopped before being added to the skillet.
What should I add to the pasta boiling water?
Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil to the cold water before bringing it to a boil.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, reserve a small amount of pasta water to add to the mixture if the pasta seems too dry.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Plate the pasta mixture first, then top it with the sautéed chicken and crispy pancetta.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a weeknight dinner, designed to be easy and fast.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features robust flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, savory pancetta, and seasoned chicken.
Can I use different herbs?
While the recipe specifies basil, oregano, and parsley, you can experiment with other fresh Italian herbs.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are used in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used throughout the various cooking stages.
What is the serving suggestion for the parsley?
Roughly chop 2 tablespoons of Italian parsley to mix into the pasta and use more as a garnish if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family meal and comfort food.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Can I substitute the penne for another pasta?
While penne is traditional for this recipe, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli could work.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so it is still firm when bitten.
Is the chicken cooked in the same pan as the tomatoes?
The chicken is sautéed first in a skillet, removed to keep warm, and then added back as a topping at the end.