Ingredients and Weight:
- Penne pasta - 400 grams (cooked weight)
- Pesto sauce - 1/2 cup
- Fresh garden vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, beans, etc.) - mixed variety, total weight 300 grams
- Cherry tomatoes - 1/2 cup, halved
- Chicken breast - 250 grams, cooked and cubed
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Fresh basil - few leaves, chopped (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil and add the minced garlic.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the mixed vegetables and cook until slightly tender.
- Add the cooked chicken cubes and cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pesto sauce and mix well with the other ingredients.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the pesto vegetable mixture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and serve hot.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on average values, may vary depending on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approx. 500 calories per serving (assuming 8 servings)
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 25g
Dish Characteristics:
- A creamy and flavorful dish with a combination of pesto and fresh garden vegetables.
- The penne pasta is cooked to perfection, making it an ideal dish for a family meal or a special occasion.
- The dish has a rich and satisfying taste that is suitable for American taste buds.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The pesto sauce added a rich flavor to the penne pasta and the fresh garden vegetables made it a perfect spring meal."
- "I loved the combination of pesto and penne pasta. The dish was easy to make and my family enjoyed it."
- "This is a great dish for a weekend dinner party. The pesto sauce was creamy and the fresh vegetables added a nice crunch to the dish."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure to use fresh vegetables for best results. If unavailable, frozen vegetables can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of pesto sauce according to your preference for a richer or milder flavor.
- For best results, follow the package instructions for cooking the penne pasta.
