Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked penne, draped in a luxuriously creamy sauce that's bursting with the sweet, smoky essence of roasted red peppers. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with a recipe that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, pureed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, drain roasted red peppers and puree them in a food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour the pureed roasted red peppers into the skillet with the garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat and warm through.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining – it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
- When sautéing garlic, watch it carefully! Those 30-45 seconds can make the difference between fragrant and burnt.
- For the creamiest sauce, add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation.
- Use high-quality roasted red peppers for the most intense flavor – either jarred or freshly roasted work great.
- For extra richness, consider using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken instead of plain shredded chicken.
- Fresh basil is not just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare the sauce separately and add pasta just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
