Penne Rigate with Minced Chicken Sauce & Cheese Recipe
This Penne Rigate with Minced Chicken Sauce & Cheese is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that features whole wheat pasta tossed in a savory chicken sauce and generously topped with Parmesan cheese. With its combination of rich flavors, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Penne pasta (whole wheat) | 450 grams |
Homemade tomato puree | 1-1/2 cups |
Onion (chopped) | 1 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
Minced chicken | 450 grams |
Dried basil leaves | 1 teaspoon |
Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
Red chili flakes or black pepper | 1/2 tablespoon |
Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings:
- Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Cuisine Type: Italian
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a teaspoon of salt to the water.
- Add the penne pasta and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta and toss to coat. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together.
-
Prepare the Chicken Sauce:
- In a wok or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until they soften and become tender.
- Now, add the minced chicken, red chili flakes (or black pepper), and tomato puree. Season with salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
-
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan with the chicken sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and dried basil leaves. Toss the pasta and sauce together until well coated.
-
Finish with Cheese:
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir through. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Penne Rigate with Minced Chicken Sauce & Cheese hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions:
For a complete meal, pair your Penne Rigate with a side of Whole Wheat Oats and Pesto Bread and Garlic & Ginger Spiced Potato Wedges (Baked). These sides complement the rich, savory flavors of the pasta, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.
Enjoy this flavorful, wholesome dish that brings the comforting essence of Italian cuisine to your table! Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you’re craving a hearty meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.