Savory Penne with Grilled Chicken, Roasted Tomatoes & Olives
This delightful penne pasta dish brings together the harmonious flavors of grilled chicken, sweet roasted grape tomatoes, and briny black olives. A perfect blend of fresh herbs and a zesty Italian dressing elevates this easy recipe, making it a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. It harmonizes simplicity and flavor, proving that great meals can come together with just a few thoughtful ingredients. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this comforting yet sophisticated dish that seamlessly combines texture and taste!
4
Servings
142
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
grilled chicken breasts
2 (boneless, skinless, chopped)
grape tomatoes
8 ounces (whole)
olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (for roasting)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (or 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
mini penne pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
water or chicken broth
enough to cook pasta
white wine
3/4 cup (for cooking)
Italian dressing
1/4 cup (not creamy (e.g., Northern Italian))
black olives
10-15 (or 1/4 cup sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooked, let it rest briefly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes with olive oil, dried or fresh basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread the tomato mixture evenly in a shallow baking pan and roast in the oven for about 12 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to blister and burst.
3
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the penne pasta along with the remaining 1/4 cup of white wine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but reserve about a cup of the cooking liquid.
4
Once the tomatoes are roasted, smash them gently with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices, creating a delicious sauce base.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne, smashed tomatoes, chopped grilled chicken, and black olives. Add the reserved pasta cooking liquid (to achieve your desired sauciness), additional white wine, and the Italian dressing. Toss everything together until well combined.
6
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or additional olives if desired. Enjoy your savory creation!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
15
Carbs
8
Protein
1.3
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Savory Penne with Grilled Chicken, Roasted Tomatoes & Olives
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 142 calories per serving.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked mini penne pasta.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, marinated for 30 minutes, grilled to 165°F, and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What is the minimum marinating time for the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes.
At what temperature should the oven be set for roasting tomatoes?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the grape tomatoes need to roast?
Roast the grape tomatoes for about 12 minutes until they blister and burst.
What ingredients are used to roast the tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes are combined with olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.
Why should I smash the roasted tomatoes?
Smashing the tomatoes gently helps release their juices to create a delicious sauce base.
What liquids can be used to boil the pasta?
You can use either water or chicken broth to boil the pasta.
How much white wine is used when boiling the pasta?
1/4 cup of white wine is added to the boiling water or broth.
How much total white wine is needed for the recipe?
A total of 3/4 cup of white wine is required.
Should I save any of the pasta cooking liquid?
Yes, reserve about one cup of the cooking liquid to achieve your desired sauciness.
What kind of Italian dressing is recommended?
Use 1/4 cup of a non-creamy Italian dressing, such as Northern Italian.
How many olives are included in the recipe?
You can use 10-15 black olives or 1/4 cup sliced olives.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil with 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content?
This dish provides 1.3 grams of fiber per serving.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What texture should the pasta be?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
What is the final step before serving?
Toss the penne, tomatoes, chicken, olives, cooking liquid, wine, and dressing together until well combined.
What are some suggested garnishes?
Garnish with fresh basil or additional olives if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings due to its simplicity.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, penne, chicken, tomatoes, olives, Italian, grilled, dinner, family meal, and comfort food.
How much olive oil is used for roasting?
Use 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil for roasting the tomatoes.
What should I do after the chicken is grilled?
Let the chicken rest briefly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
What gives this dish its zesty flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from the combination of fresh herbs and Italian dressing.