Creamy Penne Rustica with Chicken and Shrimp
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Creamy Penne Rustica, featuring a velvety sauce made with heavy cream, savory pancetta, and a splash of marsala wine. This dish comes alive with tender shrimp and grilled chicken, all enveloped in perfectly cooked penne pasta. Topped with aromatic herbs and a crisp golden layer of parmesan cheese, this meal is perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Serve it straight from the oven for a satisfying centerpiece that's sure to impress family and friends. Ideal for generous portions, this recipe easily accommodates 8 to 10 servings, ensuring there's enough for everyone.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 teaspoons (melted)
garlic
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
dill
1 teaspoon (dried)
rosemary
1 teaspoon (chopped)
marsala wine
1 cup (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
heavy cream
8 cups (none)
pancetta or bacon
1 ounce (finely chopped)
shrimp
18 (peeled and deveined)
grilled chicken breasts
12 ounces (sliced)
penne pasta
16-24 ounces (cooked)
pimiento
3 teaspoons (chopped)
butter
6 ounces (for sautéing)
shallot
1 teaspoon (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh rosemary
6 sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by making the Gratinata Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 2 teaspoons of butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped garlic and rosemary until the garlic begins to brown.
2
Pour in the marsala wine and allow it to reduce by one-third, intensifying the flavor.
3
Incorporate the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, dill, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the mixture until it thickens and is halved in volume. Set this luscious sauce aside.
4
For the Penne Rustica, in a separate skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until it becomes crispy and brown.
5
Add 6 ounces of butter, shallots, and the peeled shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they are an even pink color but still tender and slightly translucent.
6
Include the sliced grilled chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
7
Mix in the prepared Gratinata Sauce along with 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Simmer the mixture until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
8
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp and chicken mixture with the cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together until well coated.
9
Transfer the mixture into a large casserole dish or roaster. Sprinkle the top with the remaining parmesan cheese, chopped pimiento, and a dash of paprika for flavor and color.
10
Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
11
Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant touch before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
17g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main proteins in Creamy Penne Rustica?
The recipe features 18 peeled and deveined shrimp and 12 ounces of sliced grilled chicken breasts, along with savory pancetta or bacon.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is ideal for generous portions and easily accommodates 8 to 10 servings.
What is in the Gratinata Sauce?
The Gratinata Sauce is made with butter, chopped garlic, rosemary, marsala wine, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, dill, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.
What temperature should I bake the Penne Rustica?
The dish should be baked in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16-24 ounces of cooked penne pasta.
Can I substitute pancetta with bacon?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1 ounce of finely chopped pancetta or bacon.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat, 17g of carbohydrates, and 13g of protein.
How much heavy cream is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 8 cups of heavy cream to create its signature rich and velvety sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Cook the shrimp in the skillet until they turn an even pink color but remain tender and slightly translucent.
What wine is used in the sauce reduction?
The recipe uses 1 cup of marsala wine, which is reduced by one-third to intensify the flavor.
What cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, divided between the sauce and the topping.
What garnish is recommended for the final presentation?
Garnish the dish with 6 fresh rosemary sprigs once it is removed from the oven.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains a hint of warmth from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of paprika on top.
What are the pimientos used for?
Three teaspoons of chopped pimiento are sprinkled on top before baking for added flavor and visual color.
How much butter is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of butter for the sauce and an additional 6 ounces for sautéing the shrimp and shallots.
What herbs are included in the Gratinata sauce?
The sauce includes 1 teaspoon of chopped rosemary and 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
Does the recipe use mustard?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard is incorporated into the cream sauce.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic, which should be sautéed until it begins to brown.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory Italian comfort food with a creamy, gourmet profile featuring seafood and grilled chicken.
How do I thicken the Gratinata sauce?
The sauce is thickened by reducing the liquid until it is halved in volume and by simmering it with parmesan cheese.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be grilled and then sliced into pieces before being added to the skillet.
What are the total ingredients count?
There are 19 ingredients required to make this dish.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried dill, but fresh could be used if adjusted for potency.
Are shallots used in the Penne Rustica?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of chopped shallot is sautéed with the shrimp and butter.
What provides the golden layer on top of the pasta?
The combination of parmesan cheese, paprika, and high-heat baking creates the golden bubbly layer.
Should the penne be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the penne pasta should be cooked separately before being tossed with the sauce and proteins.
Is this dish suitable for a large gathering?
Yes, with 8 to 10 servings and a rich presentation, it is perfect for special occasions and groups.
What kind of vessel should I use for baking?
The mixture should be transferred into a large casserole dish or roaster for baking.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to be dusted over the top of the dish before baking.