Penne with Chicken and Pesto

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta: 1 pound
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1 pound
• Pesto sauce: 1 cup
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup
• Garlic cloves, minced: 2
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: 1/2 cup
• Parmesan cheese, grated: 1/2 cup
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (easy - moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides.
5. Reduce heat to low and add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
7. Add the pesto sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
9. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
10. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 550 per serving
• Fat: 25 grams
• Protein: 40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Creamy and smooth
• Savory and aromatic
• Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal

User Comments:

• "This dish was absolutely delicious! The pesto sauce was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy." - John Doe
• "I love how easy this recipe is to make. It's a great go-to meal when I'm short on time." - Jane Smith
• "The combination of the pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese is perfect. This dish is sure to become a favorite." - Mary Jones

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality pesto sauce for the best flavor.
• If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute chopped fresh tomatoes.
• You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
• Serve the dish immediately with a side of crusty bread.