Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Chicken

Savor the vibrant flavors of this Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Chicken, a heart-healthy dinner option packed with wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flair. Tender bites of boneless, skinless chicken breast are paired with nutrient-rich whole wheat penne pasta and an array of fresh vegetables, including zucchini, red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Infused with the aromatic essence of garlic, fresh basil, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this dish delivers maximum flavor without relying on added salt. Finished with a touch of black pepper and optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan (if desired) for a family-friendly meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious! Perfectly suited for low sodium diets, this recipe ensures you don’t compromise on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat. Add the chopped basil, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to incorporate all the flavors.

Step 9

Serve the pasta warm, and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your low sodium penne pasta with chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1416.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2591.1

Total Fat 68.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 432.9mg	0%
Sodium 1264.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 270.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.1g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 212.7g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 1017.1mg	0%
Iron 21.7mg	0%
Potassium 3870.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.1%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 42.5%