Penne and Chicken Tenderloins with Spiced Tomato Sauce
Dive into the comforting, flavor-packed world of **Penne and Chicken Tenderloins with Spiced Tomato Sauce**, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender, golden-seared chicken is paired with perfectly al dente penne pasta, all tossed in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, dried herbs, smoky paprika, and a hint of red chili flakes for subtle heat. With just the right balance of sweet and savory from a touch of sugar and tangy tomatoes, this dish offers a bold yet harmonious flavor profile. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional parmesan cheese for added freshness and creaminess, this easy-to-follow recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and serves up to four people. Whether you're looking for a cozy family meal or an impressive dish for entertaining, this pasta creation delivers satisfying bites every time.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 500 grams chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 50 grams, grated (optional) parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
- 120 milliliters (for thinning sauce if needed) water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with 0.5 teaspoons of salt and 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper. Sear the chicken tenderloins for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, red chili flakes, sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or 120 milliliters of plain water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Step 7
Slice the cooked chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and add them back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the spiced tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
Step 8
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 9
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese (if using) and freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2092.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2771.0 |
| Total Fat 70.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 15.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 290.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5099.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 369.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 33.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 46.6g | |
| Protein 178.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 798.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 26.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 5300.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories