Chicken Pesto Penne

Chicken Pesto Penne Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Pesto Penne is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, savory pesto sauce, and sweet apples. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken Pesto Penne is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes. The combination of chicken, pesto, and apples creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

250 g penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 bramley apples, quartered, cored, and sliced
2 chicken breast fillets, finely sliced
4 tbsp pesto sauce

How to prepare

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender according to packet instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, heat half of the oil in a large frying pan. Add the Bramley apple slices and sauté for 3 minutes, or until browned. Transfer to a plate.
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add the chicken and sauté over high heat for 4 minutes, or until pale golden.
Drain the pasta in a large colander, then return it to the pan. Add the chicken and apple mixture, along with the pesto sauce. Toss well to mix. Spoon into bowls and serve.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure that it is not overcooked and mushy.

- Sautéing the apples before adding them to the pasta adds a caramelized flavor to the dish.

- Use a good quality pesto sauce for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Pesto Penne with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the chicken over high heat to ensure that it is cooked through and golden brown.

- Toss the pasta with the pesto sauce just before serving to ensure that it is well coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of penne.

- Use any type of apple in place of Bramley apples.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pesto sauce and cook the chicken and apples ahead of time to save time when making the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Chicken Pesto Penne with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chicken Pesto Penne with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Pesto Penne contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Pesto Penne contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Pesto Penne contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Pesto Penne contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Pesto Penne is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain nuts in the pesto sauce.

Summary

Chicken Pesto Penne is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Pesto Penne is a delicious and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a cooking class at a local community center. The instructor, a sweet Italian lady named Nonna Maria, was demonstrating how to make a delicious Chicken Pesto Penne.

As I watched Nonna Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I could smell the fragrant basil and garlic wafting through the air. My mouth watered as she sautéed the chicken in a pan, adding a generous dollop of homemade pesto sauce. The aroma was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

After the class was over, I approached Nonna Maria and asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and invited me to her home the following week for a private cooking lesson.

When I arrived at Nonna Maria's house, I was greeted with warm hugs and the scent of simmering tomato sauce. Nonna Maria ushered me into her cozy kitchen and handed me an apron, telling me that we had a lot of work to do.

We started by making the pesto sauce from scratch, blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor until it formed a smooth paste. The vibrant green color of the pesto was mesmerizing, and I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of the tangy sauce.

Next, Nonna Maria showed me how to cook the chicken until it was golden brown and cooked through. She then tossed the cooked penne pasta with the pesto sauce and chicken, adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top for good measure.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't help but marvel at how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious. The flavors of the fresh basil and garlic danced on my tongue, and I savored every bite of the creamy pasta.

Nonna Maria beamed with pride as she watched me enjoy her creation, and she told me that the key to good cooking was to always use the freshest ingredients and to cook with love.

From that day on, Chicken Pesto Penne became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think of Nonna Maria and the invaluable lesson she had taught me about the power of good food and shared meals.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, sometimes substituting the chicken for shrimp or adding cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness. But no matter how I choose to make it, Chicken Pesto Penne will always hold a special place in my heart as the dish that brought me closer to the art of Italian cooking.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Nonna Maria's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the knowledge and passion she passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and create lasting memories, and for that, I will always be thankful to Nonna Maria and her delicious Chicken Pesto Penne recipe.