Penne Rosa from Noodles & Company features tender penne pasta tossed in a creamy tomato-alfredo sauce, blended with roasted chicken, mushrooms, and a hint of garlic, delivering a rich and savory Italian-inspired dish with a smooth, velvety texture.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Ladle (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked roasted chicken, sliced
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Using cremini or white mushrooms affects the dish's flavor; cremini provide earthier notes while white mushrooms offer a milder taste. Make sure the cooked roasted chicken is well-seasoned to complement the creamy tomato-alfredo sauce. Fresh garlic and basil contribute essential aromatic layers, so avoid substitutes for best results. When cooking penne pasta, salt the water generously to enhance the pasta's flavor before mixing with the sauce. Your homemade Penne Rosa copycat will closely match Noodles & Company's rich Italian-inspired dish with this careful ingredient selection.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta using a colander and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until softened and browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cooked roasted chicken slices.
- Pour in marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes; stir well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer sauce on low for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add baby spinach and stir until wilted.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in fresh chopped basil.
- Serve immediately, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Substitution
Penne Rosa from Noodles & Company can be easily replicated at home using basic pantry staples combined with fresh vegetables and roasted chicken. If you don't have cremini mushrooms, white button mushrooms or portobello slices work well as substitutes, keeping a similar earthy flavor and texture. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to maintain creaminess while reducing fat content. When fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil or Italian seasoning can provide a comparable herbal note to your sauce. Adjust seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to add more spinach or other greens for additional nutrients and color in your dish.
Tips
Ensure you salt the boiling water generously before cooking the 12 oz penne pasta to enhance its flavor. When sauteing the 8 oz mushrooms, cook them until they are browned to develop a richer taste and better texture. Stir the mixture of marinara sauce, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese gently to achieve a smooth, creamy rosa sauce without curdling. Be careful not to overcook the baby spinach; adding it last and stirring it just until wilted preserves its color and nutrients for your dish.
Nutritions
Penne Rosa from Noodles & Company provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, with penne pasta supplying carbohydrates for energy and roasted chicken offering lean protein to support muscle maintenance. The creamy tomato-alfredo sauce, made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, contributes healthy fats and calcium essential for bone health. Mushrooms and baby spinach add dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to enhance your overall nutrition. This dish delivers a satisfying blend of flavors while supporting your dietary needs with wholesome ingredients.
Storage
Store your Penne Rosa in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days to ensure optimal flavor and safety. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to preserve the creamy tomato-alfredo texture and prevent separation.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute penne pasta with rigatoni or fusilli to vary the texture and sauce adherence. Swapping cooked roasted chicken for Italian sausage or shrimp offers a different protein profile and flavor complexity. For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, maintaining creaminess while reducing fat. To boost freshness, add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers during the final simmer, enhancing depth and color of your Penne Rosa.
Allergies
Penne Rosa from Noodles & Company contains common allergens such as dairy in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which may trigger reactions in those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The dish also includes wheat-based penne pasta, posing a risk for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. If you have allergies to mushrooms or chicken, be cautious when ordering this meal.
Why this recipe?
Penne Rosa at Noodles & Company is beloved for its creamy tomato sauce that perfectly balances tangy and savory flavors, making each bite rich and satisfying. The combination of tender penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of basil creates a distinctive taste that delights pasta enthusiasts. Your attempt to make a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients for freshness and control over dietary preferences, enhancing the dining experience. Crafting this dish at home also offers a rewarding culinary challenge that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table.