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Ingredients
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Pasta
Vegetables
Protein
Dressing
Garnish
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- 2
Drain and Set Aside
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it using a colander and set aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
- 3
Chop the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the red bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- 4
Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
- 5
Add Remaining Vegetables
Add the chopped cherry tomatoes and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Combining Ingredients
- 6
Mix the Pasta and Sautéed Vegetables
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
- 7
Add Protein
Stir in the grilled chicken breast, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as you mix.
Making the Dressing
- 8
Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- 9
Pour over Pasta
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Garnishing and Serving
- 10
Add Cheese and Basil
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil over the top of the pasta.
- 11
Serve
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious lunch pasta!
