Penne rosa is a classic pasta dish made with a creamy tomato sauce, typically served with chicken or shrimp. While it is delicious, it can be high in calories and fat. This article will provide you with a recipe for a healthier version of penne rosa with chicken that is still packed with flavor. This recipe uses whole-wheat penne pasta, lean chicken breast, and a lightened-up tomato sauce made with Greek yogurt and skim milk. The result is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is also good for you.
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PENNE ROSA WITH PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN
Penne pasta in a red pepper-flecked tomato cream sauce tossed with mushrooms, spinach, and topped with Parmesan chicken. I also serve with a fresh Caesar salad.
Provided by MandaGreens
Categories Main Dish Recipes Chicken Chicken Parmesan Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place 2 cups Parmesan cheese into a shallow bowl.
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
- Dip chicken breasts into the beaten egg whites.
- Press chicken into Parmesan cheese in shallow bowl to coat both sides.
- Gently toss between your hands so any cheese that hasn't stuck can fall away. Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake chicken breasts in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 18 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Meanwhile, heat Alfredo sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes in a large saucepan over low heat. Allow to simmer while you finish the remaining steps.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat; cook and stir mushrooms and spinach until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir vegetables into the sauce.
- Place the penne pasta into a serving bowl; slice chicken breasts and arrange over the pasta.
- Pour sauce over the pasta and chicken, and sprinkle remaining 1 cup Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1023.9 calories, Carbohydrate 73.5 g, Cholesterol 141 mg, Fat 59.6 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 54.6 g, SaturatedFat 25 g, Sodium 2568.9 mg, Sugar 13.3 g
HEALTHIER PENNE ROSA WITH CHICKEN
This healthy twist on penne rosa is just as delicious as the original. Substituting fat-free Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and whole wheat pasta makes this dish a much lower-calorie and lower-fat option. Add grilled chicken to up the protein!
Provided by JAIM71
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir until garlic begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach; cover and let stand until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into a separate saucepan over medium heat. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Transfer 1/2 the sauce into a bowl; stir in yogurt. Whisk mixture into the rest of the marinara in the saucepan.
- Uncover tomatoes and spinach and place back over low heat. Stir in penne, sauce, and basil; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Divide penne into bowls and serve topped with chicken and Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 612.5 calories, Carbohydrate 81.1 g, Cholesterol 69.8 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 43.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 719.3 mg, Sugar 12.2 g
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your Penne Rosa with Chicken. Try to use organic produce and free-range chicken whenever possible.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken is a delicate protein, so it's important to cook it quickly over high heat. Overcooked chicken will be tough and dry.
- Use a good quality pasta: The type of pasta you use will also affect the flavor of your dish. Look for a high-quality, Italian pasta made with durum wheat.
- Make your own sauce: The sauce is the heart of any pasta dish, so it's worth taking the time to make your own. This recipe uses a simple tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
- Serve immediately: Penne Rosa with Chicken is best served immediately, while the pasta is still hot and the sauce is still flavorful.
Conclusion:
Penne Rosa with Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make pasta dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that your whole family will love.
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