How to Make Penne Rustica - A Step-by-Step Guide

Penne Rustica is a delicious Italian-inspired pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. This dish is filled with rich flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many pasta lovers. It combines penne pasta with a creamy tomato sauce, savory pancetta, and tender chicken, all topped with a cheesy breadcrumb crust. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a comforting meal to enjoy at home, Penne Rustica is sure to become a staple in your rec...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • ½ pound cooked small shrimp
  • ½ cup chopped prosciutto
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, or to taste
  • 2 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons Marsala wine
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon brown mustard
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ teaspoons paprika

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 1 9x13-inch casserole

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl; mix in shrimp and prosciutto.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Brush olive oil over chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 5 minutes per side. Cool briefly before slicing into strips. Add to the penne mixture.
  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
  • Prepare the sauce by melting butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic, cover, and cook until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Pour in Marsala wine and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, milk, chicken broth, cornstarch, mustard, rosemary, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors combine, about 10 minutes.
  • Pour sauce over the penne mixture and mix well. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and paprika over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top slightly browns, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    636 cal.

    • Total Fat: 37g
    • Saturated Fat: 21g
    • Cholesterol: 188mg
    • Sodium: 753mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 47g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 29g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 224mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 331mg