Blackened Chicken Penne is a delicious pasta dish that features succulent chicken breast seasoned with blackened spices and served with penne pasta. This dish is sure to satisfy your craving for a hearty and spicy meal. However, at 1310 calories per serving, it can be quite heavy on the waistline.

The dish includes a variety of ingredients including chicken breast, penne pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, blackening seasoning, and various spices. The dish is high in protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

In this article, we'll explore some tips to make this dish healthier and alternatives to try if you're looking for a lighter meal.

What is Blackened Chicken Penne?

Blackened Chicken Penne is a pasta dish that originated in the United States. It is made by seasoning chicken breast with blackened spices, which gives it a flavorful and spicy taste. The chicken is then cooked and served with penne pasta, a creamy sauce, and parmesan cheese. The blackening spices used to season the chicken typically include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The sauce for the dish is made with heavy cream and parmesan cheese, which adds richness and flavor to the dish. The dish is a popular comfort food and can be found on the menu of many restaurants in the United States. It is a filling and tasty meal that is perfect for people who love spicy and flavorful dishes.

Ingredients of Blackened Chicken Penne

The main ingredients for Blackened Chicken Penne include chicken breast, penne pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, blackening seasoning, and various spices. The blackening seasoning typically contains paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Additional spices such as salt and pepper may be included to taste. The dish can be customized to include other ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, or additional protein such as shrimp or sausage.

How is Blackened Chicken Penne prepared?

To prepare Blackened Chicken Penne, start by seasoning the chicken breast with blackening seasoning and cooking until done. Cook the penne pasta separately according to package instructions. To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Season with additional spices and cook until the sauce thickens. Combine the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce and mix well. Serve hot and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information of Blackened Chicken Penne

A serving of Blackened Chicken Penne contains approximately 1310 calories, 94 grams of fat, 64 grams of carbohydrates, and 51 grams of protein. The dish is high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a heavy meal. However, it is also high in protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. It is important to consume this dish in moderation and balance it with other healthy foods throughout the day.

Calories and Serving Size of Blackened Chicken Penne

A serving size of Blackened Chicken Penne is typically 1 cup or 240 grams. This serving size contains approximately 1310 calories. It is important to be aware of serving sizes when consuming this dish to avoid consuming too many calories at once. If you are trying to watch your calorie intake, consider splitting the dish with a friend or taking home leftovers for another meal.

Health Risks associated with consuming Blackened Chicken Penne

Consuming Blackened Chicken Penne in excess can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. The dish is high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, which can have negative effects on your health if consumed in large amounts. It is important to balance this dish with other healthy foods and incorporate regular exercise into your routine to maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing chronic health conditions.

Tips for Reducing Calories in Blackened Chicken Penne

If you are looking to reduce the calorie content of Blackened Chicken Penne, consider making some modifications to the recipe. You can use low-fat milk or a milk alternative to reduce the fat content of the sauce. You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content of the dish. Additionally, you can try reducing the portion size or sharing the dish with a friend to help decrease your overall calorie intake.

Alternatives to Blackened Chicken Penne

If you are looking for alternatives to Blackened Chicken Penne, consider trying some lighter pasta dishes such as spaghetti with marinara sauce or pasta primavera. You can also try substituting the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu to add more variety to your meals.

Where to get Blackened Chicken Penne?

Blackened Chicken Penne is a popular dish that can be found on the menu of many restaurants in the United States. Check your local Italian restaurants or chain restaurants such as Olive Garden or Applebee's to see if they offer this dish.

Final Verdict on Blackened Chicken Penne

Blackened Chicken Penne is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for people who love bold and flavorful dishes. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and balance it with other healthy foods throughout the day. By making some modifications to the recipe, such as reducing the portion size and using low-fat ingredients, you can enjoy this dish while still maintaining a healthy diet. Consider trying some alternatives to Blackened Chicken Penne to add more variety to your meals and keep your taste buds satisfied.