Penne Al Pollo Recipes

PENNE POLLO ALLA GORGONZOLA

Steps:

• Using a medium saute pan, add oil, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and then saute until mushrooms are soft.
• Add chicken about halfway through the saute (you can also use grilled chicken and add it at the end if you want).
• Now add cream and half and half mixture with the gorgonzola cheese and Parmesan; put back on a medium flame; reduce until bubbles thicken, but don't overcook! The sauce will become clumpy on noodles once served, if overcooked.
• Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper for taste (you most likely will have to do this).
• If you precooked the noodles warm them up in a hot water bath before adding to the sauce.
• Add a little water to the sauce with the noodles because the noodles really absorb the sauce.
• Note: This recipe should make 1 serving and you usually add about a handful and a half of cooked penne to the sauce. I hope you enjoy this recipe, it is so delicious, and I hope my amounts are correct!

PENNE ALL'A GLIO E POLLO (PENNE WITH GARLIC AND CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to box directions. Drain and set aside.
• Peel garlic and sauté in 1/2 of olive oil for 2-5 minutes until tender on low heat. Puree garlic in food processor with 1/4 cup oil, basil and rosemary to make pesto.
• Add pesto, green onion, chicken and cheese to pasta; mix very well.
• Drizzle and toss with olive oil (up to 1/4 cup) until desired consistency.
• Serve immediately.

PENNE POLLO (CHICKEN PASTA)

Steps:

• In a frying pan or saucepan cook the chicken until almost cooked
• Add garlic, Cream, Salt, Pepper, mushrooms to the chicken
• Add 1 tsp of Pesto

PENNE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Meanwhile, pluck the basil leaves from the stems (you should have about 2 cups leaves). Wash the leaves in a large bowl of cold water and dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Smash and peel the garlic.
• Put the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and process until the pesto is smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and stir in the cheese. Season with the salt and some pepper.
• Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously. Add the penne and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and save about 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the bowl. Use tongs and toss with enough of the cooking water so the pesto coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
• Upgrades: a. Make the pesto creamy by adding 1/4 cup ricotta cheese when processing the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. This is great with tortellini or ravioli. b. Top dressed pesto pasta with 1/2 pound diced large or halved small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 3 medium tomatoes cut in large chunks, and 1/2 cup pitted black olives, (we like kalamata for this), roughly chopped. c. Add cooked 1 to 2 cups chicken or shrimp.
• Twists on Pesto: In place of basil, try the following combination: 1 cup parsley, 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves. Substitute walnuts for the pine nuts

PENNE AL FUNGHI PORCINI (PIERCE BROSNAN'S FAVE)

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sauté the sliced porcini mushrooms with the garlic and parsley till tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the wine and let it all simmer until the wine evaporates, about 5-8 minutes. Add the tomatoes(If you have used reconstituted porcini mushrooms, add the reserved soaking liquid now) and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, boil the penne until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce together with the grated cheese. Let cook for 2 minutes at low heat. Taste for seasoning.
• Serve piping hot. Pass extra cheese for sprinkling. Enjoy!