Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

3 egg whites, lightly beaten

2 (16 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce

2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms

1 (8 ounce) package fresh spinach

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place 2 cups Parmesan cheese into a shallow bowl.

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.

Dip chicken breasts into the beaten egg whites.

Press chicken into Parmesan cheese in shallow bowl to coat both sides.

Gently toss between your hands so any cheese that hasn t stuck can fall away. Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet.

Bake chicken breasts in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 18 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Meanwhile, heat Alfredo sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes in a large saucepan over low heat. Allow to simmer while you finish the remaining steps.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat; cook and stir mushrooms and spinach until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir vegetables into the sauce.

Place the penne pasta into a serving bowl; slice chicken breasts and arrange over the pasta.

Pour sauce over the pasta and chicken, and sprinkle remaining 1 cup Parmesan cheese on top.