If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, 1 serving of Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is a great choice. With a high caloric content of 1535 calories, it's perfect for those who need a filling meal to power through their day.

Beyond its high calorie count, this dish is packed with healthy ingredients that make it a nutrient-rich meal. The creamy pesto sauce is made with basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, while the chicken and shrimp add lean protein. Plus, the penne pasta is a great source of carbohydrates to keep you energized.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp, including its nutritional profile, how it's prepared, and healthy alternatives to consider.

Delicious Combination of Pesto, Cream, Chicken, and Shrimp

One of the reasons Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is so popular is its mouth-watering combination of flavors. The pesto sauce adds a fresh and vibrant taste, while the cream adds a rich and indulgent touch. The chicken and shrimp provide a savory and satisfying protein source that complements the pasta perfectly. This dish is perfect for those who crave a hearty and flavorful meal that leaves them feeling full and satisfied.

High Caloric Content of Pesto Cream Penne Dish

It's important to note that Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is a high-calorie dish, with 1535 calories per serving. This makes it ideal for those who need a filling meal to power through their day, but it may not be the best choice for those on a strict calorie-controlled diet. To keep the calorie count low, consider reducing the portion size or opting for a lighter alternative.

Ingredients That Make Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp

To make Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp, you'll need a handful of delicious ingredients. For the pesto sauce, you'll need fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. You'll also need heavy cream, chicken breast, shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Finally, you'll need penne pasta to bring everything together.

Why Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is So Popular?

There are a few reasons why Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is such a popular dish. Firstly, it's a satisfying and filling meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It's also packed with flavor, thanks to the fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil in the pesto sauce. Finally, the addition of chicken and shrimp ensures that you're getting a healthy dose of protein with each serving.

Perfect Italian Cuisine for Pasta Lovers

If you're a fan of pasta dishes, then Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is a must-try. This Italian-inspired dish combines creamy, tangy pesto sauce with deliciously tender chicken and shrimp, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked penne pasta. It's a classic flavor combination that never disappoints.

Healthy Alternatives for Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp

While Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is a delicious and filling meal, it may not be the healthiest option for everyone. To reduce the calorie count, consider swapping out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, like almond milk or coconut cream. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this dish more nutritious. Finally, you can pack in even more veggies, like spinach or roasted red peppers, to make this dish even more flavorful and healthy.

How Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is Prepared?

To prepare Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp, you'll start by making the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, and blend until smooth. Next, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast and shrimp with salt and black pepper, and sauté them in a skillet until cooked through. Finally, mix the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce and stir in the chicken and shrimp. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions for Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp

Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is a flavorful and filling meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. To make it even more special, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Nutrition Profile of Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp

While Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp is a high-calorie dish, it's still packed with nutrients. One serving of this dish contains around 60 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient. Additionally, it's rich in healthy fats from the olive oil and Parmesan cheese, which can help improve heart health. It also contains a good amount of carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Tips for Making Perfect Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp

To make the perfect Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken & Shrimp, it's important to use high-quality ingredients. This means selecting fresh basil leaves, high-quality Parmesan cheese, and fresh chicken and shrimp. It's also important to not overcook the pasta or the protein, as this can make the dish tough and chewy. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different variations of this dish, like adding cherry tomatoes or swapping out the protein for tofu or tempeh.