If you're looking for a delicious and filling pasta dish, look no further than penne with creamy basil chicken. With a total calorie count of 870 calories per serving (18.7 oz), it's sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

This pasta dish is loaded with protein and healthy fats from the chicken and cream sauce, while also containing complex carbohydrates from the penne pasta. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional information to see what else makes up this dish.

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, nutritional information, benefits, and tips for serving and making penne with creamy basil chicken.

Ingredients in Penne with Creamy Basil Chicken

This pasta dish includes penne pasta, chicken breast, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, basil, salt, and pepper. The pasta is cooked until al dente, while the chicken breast is seasoned with salt and pepper before being cooked through. The cream sauce is made by combining heavy cream with garlic and onion, and then adding parmesan cheese and fresh basil for flavor. Overall, this dish is a great source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, which are essential nutrients for the body. However, it's important to note that it is also high in calories and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. Now that you know what's in this dish, let's take a closer look at the nutritional information to see how it fits into your diet.

Calorie Content of the Dish

With a total of 870 calories per serving (18.7 oz), penne with creamy basil chicken is a fairly high calorie dish. However, it can still fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. Of the total calories, about 50% come from carbohydrates, 29% come from fat, and 21% come from protein. While this dish is high in calories, it is also a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. Let's take a closer look at the fat and protein content.

Fat and Protein Content of the Dish

Penne with creamy basil chicken is a good source of both fat and protein. Each serving contains approximately 65 grams of fat and 46 grams of protein. While the high fat content may seem concerning, it's important to note that the majority of the fat comes from healthy sources like the chicken breast and olive oil used in the dish. Additionally, the high protein content makes this dish a great option for those looking to refuel their muscles and stay satiated for longer periods of time. However, it's important to also consider the sodium and sugar content.

Sodium and Sugar Content of the Dish

One thing to watch out for when enjoying penne with creamy basil chicken is the high sodium and sugar content. Each serving contains approximately 1,230 milligrams of sodium and 6 grams of sugar. While some sodium and sugar is necessary in a balanced diet, it's important to keep an eye on your intake to avoid health complications. Now that we've covered the nutritional information, let's take a look at the benefits of basil chicken with penne.

Benefits of Basil Chicken with Penne

There are several benefits to enjoying penne with creamy basil chicken. The dish is rich in protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients that provide long-lasting energy and help build and repair muscle tissue. This dish is also easy to make and can be customized to fit your tastes and dietary preferences. Now that we've covered the benefits, let's take a look at some tips for serving and making penne with creamy basil chicken.

Tips for Serving Penne with Creamy Basil Chicken

When serving penne with creamy basil chicken, it's important to choose an appropriate portion size to prevent overeating. A serving size of around 1 cup of pasta and 3-4 ounces of chicken is a good place to start. This dish can also be easily reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and convenient meal. Now let's move on to making this dish at home.

Making Penne with Creamy Basil Chicken at Home

To make penne with creamy basil chicken at home, start by cooking the penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and cook in a pan until no longer pink. In another pan, heat the heavy cream with garlic and onion until warmed through. Add in the cooked chicken, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, and stir until well combined. Then, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations of Penne with Creamy Basil Chicken

There are many different variations of penne with creamy basil chicken that you can try to mix things up. For example, you can add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find the variation that works best for you.

Storing and Reheating Penne with Creamy Basil Chicken

If you have leftovers of penne with creamy basil chicken, you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can still be enjoyed as leftovers with a few simple reheating steps.

Alternatives to Penne with Creamy Basil Chicken

If penne with creamy basil chicken isn't your thing, there are plenty of other pasta dishes to choose from. The key is to choose a dish that fits your tastes and dietary preferences, while also providing essential nutrients to fuel your body.