Penne Della Casa (Penne with Chicken, Mushroom, Creamy White Wine Sauce)

Penne della Casa gets a delightful makeover in this recipe, featuring tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and colorful bell peppers in a creamy white wine sauce. This dish, designed for two servings, is perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion. The addition of mozzarella on top adds a gooey, cheesy layer that takes this pasta dish to the next level. Let’s dive into the details of this Chicken and Mushroom Penne della Casa recipe.

Serves 2; Preparation time: 15 minutes; Cooking time; 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 200g (about 7 oz) penne pasta
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

1. Cook the Penne:
   • Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Season the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt and black pepper.
   • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Mushrooms and Peppers:
   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and bell peppers to the skillet.
   • Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Garlic and Deglaze with Wine:
   • Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate the flavorful bits.
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
   • Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream.
   • Sprinkle dried thyme into the sauce.
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
   • Add the drained penne pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables.
   • Toss everything together until well combined.
   • If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Melt Mozzarella on Top:
   • Preheat the broiler in your oven.
   • Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
   • Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the melted mozzarella.
   • Serve the Chicken and Mushroom Penne della Casa immediately, ensuring each portion has a gooey, cheesy topping.
9. Enjoy:
   • Dive into a delightful meal for two, savoring the combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and the creamy white wine sauce.

This Chicken and Mushroom Penne della Casa with a creamy white wine sauce and melted mozzarella is a luxurious yet simple dish perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates a memorable dining experience. Enjoy the richness of this pasta dish, relishing the delightful combination of chicken, mushrooms, and peppers in every delicious bite.