Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne with Peas
Try this Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne with Peas recipe.
Try this Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne with Peas recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 pound chicken breast skinless and boneless, halved horizontally
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (i used hunt's)
- 8-10 oz penne pasta
- Carbohydrate 11.2926521890318 g
- Cholesterol 129.241529256643 mg
- Fat 26.969833259096 g
- Fiber 2.73508749570735 g
- Protein 40.9570963606902 g
- Saturated Fat 12.4528041448118 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (247g)
- Sodium 489.453736078731 mg
- Sugar 8.5575646933245 g
- Trans Fat 1.79638523752023 g
- Calories 456 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut chicken breast horizontally in half, to make it thinner.
- Season both chicken breast halves generously with salt and also with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon dry basil - on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on high-medium heat in a large skillet. Add seasoned chicken breast halves and cook on one side for about 3-4 minutes on high-medium heat.
- Flip the chicken over to the other side and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, cover with the lid and let the chicken sit in the skillet off heat - it will continue cooking.
- After about 10-15 minutes, the chicken should be fully cooked and no longer pink in the center - remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into cubes. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Add peas to pasta during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- To the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 6 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes - cook on medium heat for 1 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dry basil, stir and bring to boil - immediately reduce to simmer and simmer for 10 minutes, covered.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce and stir to melt until cheese is completely melted and the sauce thickens - 30 seconds.
- With heat on simmer, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add cooked and rinsed pasta, peas, and cooked sliced chicken to the sauce. Mix to combine.
- If you cooked pasta in salted water, if you seasoned chicken generously with salt and used canned tomato sauce - there is really no need to add salt at this point as everything should be just perfect. Nevertheless, taste your final pasta and add salt if necessary.
My Weeknight Wonder: Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne with Peas
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and dishes. But even amidst the chaos, I strive to create nourishing meals for my family, meals that are both quick to prepare and bursting with flavour. This Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne with Peas recipe has become a weeknight staple, a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavour. The chicken cooks quickly, the pasta is easy to manage, and the vibrant green peas add a touch of freshness and sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy garlic sauce. I love how the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of kick, without being overpowering. It’s a dish that pleases everyone in my family, even my picky eaters. The creamy sauce, infused with basil and mozzarella, is incredibly rich and satisfying, coating the pasta and chicken perfectly.
I often adapt this recipe to suit what I have on hand. Sometimes, I’ll add sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more intense flavour. Other times, I’ll substitute spinach for the peas, creating a vibrant green pasta dish perfect for a spring evening. The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor profile.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of my commitment to providing my family with wholesome, delicious food, even when time is of the essence. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, taking a moment to prepare a nourishing meal can bring a sense of calm and connection. It’s a simple act of love, and the satisfied smiles around the dinner table make it all worthwhile. So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner, give this Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne with Peas recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe is not just about the food; it’s about the moments surrounding it. The aroma filling the kitchen while the sauce simmers, the satisfying sounds of the pasta boiling, the happy chatter around the table as we share a meal together. These are the moments that I cherish, the moments that remind me of what truly matters. And this simple pasta dish helps to create those precious moments, night after night.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder dish, use less; for a spicier kick, add more.
- Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses. Parmesan, Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work well.
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Make it Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat and add the cooked pasta and chicken when ready to serve.
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne with Peas recipe isn't just a meal; it's a shortcut to a happy family dinner, a quick and easy solution to the weeknight dinner dilemma. Give it a try, and experience the joy of a delicious, satisfying, and stress-free mealtime.
