Penne with Chicken, Caramelized Onions, and Red Peppers

In this whole-wheat pasta dish, the sweet and rich flavors of caramelized onions take center stage, adding a touch of flair and sophistication. The onions are sautéed with a hint of brown sugar, which helps draw out their moisture and enhances their caramelization. Sliced red peppers complement the underlying sweetness of the sauce, while thinly sliced chicken adds substance and flavor to the dish. Tossed with whole-wheat penne and finished with Asiago cheese, this pasta dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Parmesan cheese can be substituted for the Asiago, providing a different but equally delicious taste. With its unique blend of ingredients, this dish is sure to impress both family and guests.

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 onions, halved and sliced thin
• 3/4 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
• 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced thin
• Salt and pepper
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 ounce Asiago cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
• 12 ounces (4 cups) whole-wheat penne
• 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onions and brown sugar, and cook until softened approximately 5 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the onions, stirring often, until they are dark golden and caramelized, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the red bell peppers and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over high heat until just smoking. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring until it begins to brown about 1 minute. Stir the chicken and continue to cook until it is nearly cooked through about 2 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the bowl with the onion and pepper mixture.
4. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet, along with the minced garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute.
5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer the mixture until thickened, approximately 15 minutes. Return the chicken and vegetable mixture, along with any accumulated juices, to the skillet. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Asiago cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the whole-wheat penne and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in the chicken and vegetable mixture, along with the fresh basil. Toss to combine, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to adjust the consistency. Serve immediately.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ensure that the onions are sliced thin for even caramelization.
• Trim the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to remove any excess fat before slicing.

TIPS:

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some additional grated Asiago cheese on top of each serving before serving.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the dish.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 71g
• Protein: 39g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sodium: 930mg

This whole-wheat pasta dish with caramelized onions is a delightful combination of sweet, rich flavors. The caramelized onions, sautéed with a touch of brown sugar, add a flair of sophistication to the dish. Sliced red peppers and tender chicken slices complement the sweetness of the sauce, while the grated Asiago cheese adds a creamy and tangy note. Tossed with whole-wheat penne and finished with fresh basil, this pasta dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With its blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit with both family and guests. Prepare this dish to elevate your pasta game and savor the delightful combination of caramelized onions, chicken, and Asiago cheese in each bite.