If you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal, look no further than Tuscan Chicken Penne. With 2 servings (408 g), this meal is perfect for two people to enjoy together. However, you might want to be mindful of its nutritional value, as this dish is quite rich in calories – 590 to be exact!

That being said, this dish also offers a number of important nutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber. But before we dive into the specifics, let's take a closer look at what Tuscan Chicken Penne is exactly.

Essentially, this dish consists of penne pasta and chicken in a creamy tomato sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, all seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with Parmesan cheese. This combination of flavors and textures promises to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and happy.

Rich in Calories

As mentioned earlier, Tuscan Chicken Penne is quite rich in calories. A single serving contains about 295 calories, which means if you split the dish in two, each person will consume roughly 590 calories. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing (we all need calories to function, after all), it is important to be mindful of your overall calorie intake when trying to maintain a healthy diet. You might want to pair this dish with a light salad or some steamed vegetables, for example, to balance out your meal.

Serves Two

One of the great things about Tuscan Chicken Penne is that it comes in two servings – which means you don't have to worry about leftovers, and you can share the meal with someone special. Of course, if you're someone who prefers larger or smaller portions, you can always adjust the amount of pasta and chicken you cook accordingly. Just keep in mind that the nutritional values will also vary depending on how much you eat.

Includes Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient that helps our bodies build and repair tissues, and also aids in digestive processes. And fortunately, Tuscan Chicken Penne is a great source of protein! Each serving of this dish contains about 28 grams of protein, which is more than 50% of the recommended daily intake for most adults. This means that you can fuel your body with the energy it needs to tackle your daily tasks, whether that's working out or simply going about your day-to-day activities.

Contains Fat

Fat is another important nutrient that helps our bodies absorb certain vitamins and minerals, and also provides us with energy. However, it's important to be mindful of the type and amount of fat we consume, as some types can be harmful to our health in excess. In the case of Tuscan Chicken Penne, each serving contains about 23 grams of fat. While this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that the majority of the fat comes from healthy sources like olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Additionally, this meal also provides a good amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to have various health benefits.

High Carbohydrate Content

Carbohydrates are our body's main source of energy, and they are essential for a healthy and well-rounded diet. While the amount of carbohydrates we need depends on our individual goals and lifestyles, most people should aim to get around 45-65% of their daily calories from carbs. In the case of Tuscan Chicken Penne, each serving contains about 50 grams of carbohydrates – which means this dish can be a good source of carbs for those who need it. However, keep in mind that some of the carbs come from refined sources like white flour pasta, which may not be the best choice for everyone.

Sodium Content

Sodium is an essential mineral that helps our body maintain proper fluid balance and nerve function. However, like with fat, it's important to be mindful of how much sodium we consume in our diets – as too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. In the case of Tuscan Chicken Penne, each serving contains about 1050 milligrams of sodium. While this is not an excessive amount, it's important to consider the sodium in other foods you eat throughout the day, as it can add up quickly.

Vitamin A and C

Vitamins A and C are both essential nutrients that help support our immune system, vision, skin, and more. And fortunately, Tuscan Chicken Penne provides a good amount of these vitamins! Each serving of this dish contains about 35% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin A and 25% for vitamin C. This means that you can give your body the antioxidants and other nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong.

Calcium and Iron

Calcium and iron are two minerals that are essential for healthy bones, teeth, and blood cells. And once again, Tuscan Chicken Penne delivers! Each serving of this dish contains about 25% of the recommended daily intake for calcium and 20% for iron. This means that you can support your body's overall health and wellness by eating this delicious meal.

Fiber Content

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies cannot digest – but that doesn't mean it's not important! In fact, fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. In the case of Tuscan Chicken Penne, each serving contains about 4 grams of fiber. While this may not seem like a lot, every little bit helps – and you can always pair this dish with some fiber-rich fruits or veggies to boost your intake even more.

Allergens

Last but not least, it's important to be aware of any potential allergens in Tuscan Chicken Penne. This meal contains gluten (from the pasta) and dairy (from the Parmesan cheese), which may cause issues for those with celiac disease or lactose intolerance. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to read the ingredients list carefully and consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have any concerns.