Chicken, Pasta And Pine Nuts
A flavorful chicken and pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and basil in a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 white onion ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/2 c. sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pine nuts ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chicken breast ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brandy ⓘ
- 28 oz. can of Italian style peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh chopped basil
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/4 c. whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 lb. penne pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain and chop the canned peeled tomatoes, reserving the juices separately.
- Add olive oil, chopped onion, sliced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and diced chicken to a non-stick sauté pan.
- Cook for 4 minutes over medium-high heat until garlic starts to brown.
- Add brandy, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and chopped basil, cook for 2 more minutes while stirring.
- Pour in chicken stock, reserved tomato juice, and whipping cream.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir until well combined over low heat.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stir, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the pine nuts lightly before adding them to the pan. You can substitute the whipping cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version. If you prefer a spicy kick, adding some crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the dish. This recipe can also be adapted using shrimp or hot Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the sauce. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the flavors. For additional texture, sprinkle some extra pine nuts on top before serving. This meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Pasta And Pine Nuts contains roughly 1101 calories, with 16g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Different pasta shapes can change the texture but will still hold the sauce well.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Additionally, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and omit the cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.
What can I add for extra protein?
For extra protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans to the dish. You could also include grilled shrimp or hot Italian sausage for a heartier option. Just ensure to adjust the cooking times accordingly for any additional proteins.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).