Penne Rosa is the perfect easy recipe for a cozy weeknight family meal or a romantic dinner with your sweetheart. This dish features tender pasta enveloped in a creamy, tomato-based sauce, enriched with chicken Parmesan and generously topped with cheese.
It’s a comforting, delicious pasta dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something special without the wait. Truly an easy recipe to fall in love with and make again.
Ingredients for Chicken Rosa Pasta
- Chicken breast, boneless and diced
- Italian seasoning
- Pasta sauce
- Milk, half-and-half for creaminess
- Marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- 1 small chopped onion
- Garlic properly minced
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Thyme
How to Make Chicken Rosa Pasta
Preparing the Base
- First, grab a pan and set it on medium heat.
- Pour in some olive oil and add the chicken. It’s crucial to season with salt and pepper as it starts to cook.
- Once done, move the chicken to a plate. In the same pan, toss in chopped onion, garlic, and thyme. Stir until the onion is soft and translucent.
Creating the Rosa Sauce
- Now, it’s time to deal with the browned bits at the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in some chicken stock and stir to lift those flavors.
- Create the rosa sauce by pouring in both marinara and alfredo sauces and combine them well.
- Add the chicken back to the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it all simmer.
Assembling the Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta noodles to the pot and make sure each noodle is well coated with sauce.
- Pour the saucy pasta into a baking dish, then top it with sliced mozzarella.
- For the final touch, put it under the broiler for about 5 minutes until it’s melty and starting to brown.
Serving Suggestions
It’s time to serve the pasta. Serve it freshly with caesar salad or crusted parmesan chicken. This will take your dining experience to next levels.
Tip: Make sure to cut large pieces of breasts into small pieces. The reason is that the large pieces cook from outside and uncooked from inside. To ensure the complete cooking, cut them into small pieces.
Which Type of Pasta Works Best
For your Chicken Rosa Pasta, choosing the right type of pasta can elevate the dish. Penne pasta is my go-to because it nicely scoops up the sauce. However, rigatoni, rotini, or bowties also work well.
For More Recipes
– High Protein Chicken Alfredo
How will you Prepare the Chicken for Rosa Pasta
When making Easy Penne Rosa, you can start with marinated chicken or even leftover chicken for convenience. Simply sauté the chicken in olive oil, then cook your pasta as the box directions suggest. Once cooked, drain and toss everything together for a quick and hearty meal.
What are the Optimal Dairy Choices for a Creamy Sauce
Deciding whether to use milk or cream can significantly affect your Rosa Pasta. I recommend a blend of both. Milk keeps it lighter while cream enhances the fat content, color, and creaminess.
