Chicken Thyme Penne Recipe
Overview:
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this delightful Chicken Thyme Penne recipe! Perfect for a hearty lunch or satisfying snack, this dish is bursting with flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. With a combination of tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and aromatic thyme, every bite is a symphony of deliciousness. The creamy dressing, infused with honey and mustard, adds a luscious touch that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat that’s as convenient as it is scrumptious.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 584.1 per serving
- Fat Content: 32.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 62.3mg
- Sodium Content: 616mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 52.9g
- Fiber Content: 6.1g
- Sugar Content: 11.7g
- Protein Content: 23.6g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | penne pasta |
| 4 | red grapes |
| 2 | celery |
| 2 | onion |
| 1/2 | cup olive oil |
| 3 tbsp | fresh thyme |
| 2 | chicken breasts |
| 1 1/4 | cup mayonnaise |
| 1 | cup milk |
| 1 | tbsp honey |
| 1 | tbsp coarse grain mustard |
| 1 | tsp salt |
| 1 | cup walnuts |
Instructions:
-
Cook Penne Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse and drain it thoroughly.
-
-
Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with diced chicken breasts, halved red grapes, chopped celery, and finely sliced onion. Toss everything together until well mixed.
-
Prepare Thyme Oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme) until evenly combined.
-
Coat Chicken Mixture: Pour the thyme-infused oil over the chicken-pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
-
Prepare Dressing: In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, honey, coarse grain mustard, salt, and the remaining thyme leaves until smooth and creamy.
-
Chill: Cover both the chicken-pasta mixture and the prepared dressing, then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Ensure not to exceed 24 hours of chilling time.
-
Combine Ingredients: Two hours before serving, toss the chilled chicken-pasta mixture and the dressing together until well combined.
-
Final Touch: Just before serving, season the dish to taste with salt and pepper. Add 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts and stir gently to incorporate.
-
Serve: Transfer the Chicken Thyme Penne to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips:
- For added convenience, you can prepare the chicken-pasta mixture and the dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to combine.
- Don’t skip the chilling step, as it allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cooked bacon bits, for extra flavor and texture.
- To make it vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or your favorite meat alternatives.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a vibrant pop of color and added freshness.
Indulge in the savory goodness of this Chicken Thyme Penne recipe, and savor every delightful bite! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy the culinary journey as you create this masterpiece in your own kitchen! 🍲✨
