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Post Workout High Calorie: Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken Sauce Recipe

Name: Post Workout High Calorie: Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken Sauce Recipe
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 350 g
Ingredients: penne pasta 12 oz; chicken breast 16 oz; heavy cream 1.5 cups; parmesan cheese 0.75 cups; butter 2 tbsp; garlic cloves 3 pieces; salt 1.5 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; nutmeg 0.25 tsp; olive oil 1 tbsp

Pasta is a recovery food — carbs replenish glycogen. Toss it in creamy chicken sauce and you've got a high calorie post workout dinner that fuels growth.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 710 kcal

#high protein #diabetic friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

penne pasta 12 oz
chicken breast 16 oz
heavy cream 1.5 cups
parmesan cheese 0.75 cups
butter 2 tbsp
garlic cloves 3 pieces

Seasonings/Sauce

salt 1.5 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
nutmeg 0.25 tsp
olive oil 1 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 74 g 42%

Protein 34 g 19%

Fat 29 g 39%

Serving size 350g

Cooking steps

1

Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2

Season chicken breast with salt and pepper; heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden, 4–5 minutes per side. Remove, rest, and slice.
3

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, avoiding browning.
4

Stir in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then add nutmeg and parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth, about 3–4 minutes.
5

Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce; toss thoroughly and simmer for 2 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient that defines this recipe's flavor and texture?

The creamy chicken sauce is central, combining chicken breast, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. The rich cream and cheese produce a smooth, savory sauce, while chicken adds protein and robust flavor. Together, they create a classic texture and taste profile for the dish.

Q. What heat control tips are vital when making the creamy sauce?

Keep the skillet at medium heat when stirring in heavy cream and Parmesan—too high a heat can split the sauce or scorch the dairy. Whisk constantly and simmer gently. Sauté garlic at low to medium heat to extract aroma without burning.

Q. How can I make sure the pasta has the right texture and avoid overcooking?

Boil penne pasta until just al dente—about 10 minutes—and immediately drain. Tossing the pasta with sauce for only 2 minutes ensures it absorbs flavor without becoming mushy. Avoid letting the pasta sit in sauce for too long before serving.

Q. How many calories and what is the macronutrient ratio per serving?

Each serving contains about 710 kcal, with carbohydrates contributing 74g (42%), protein 34g (19%), and fat 29g (39%). This provides a balanced post-workout meal, emphasizing carbs for recovery and protein for muscle rebuilding.

Post Workout High Calorie: Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken Sauce Recipe

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