Penne Rosa – Noodles & Company Copycat
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 egg
beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
divided
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp + crushed red pepper flakes
adjust depending on how spicy you like it
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz can sliced mushrooms drained or 1/2 cup fresh)
(optional
- 3 small tomatoes
diced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 16 oz penne pasta
- grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
- 1
Using shallow bowls, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan in one, and an egg in the other. Give the egg a quick scramble.
- 2
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture and coat both sides.
- 3
Immediately dip the chicken into the breadcrumb/parmesan mixture and coat both side. Repeat for both chicken breasts.
- 4
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- 5
Once the oil is heated, add your chicken breasts and cook until they no longer stick to the pan.
- 6
Flip your chicken and cook the opposite side until chicken is cooked through.
- 7
Remove chicken from the pan and place on a plate to rest. If you'd like to keep it warm - you and place the cooked breasts on a baking tray and rest in an oven set to 200 degrees.
- 8
Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the pan along with minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- 9
Add chicken broth to the skillet and deglaze the bottom by using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom.
- 10
Toss in diced tomatoes and cook for one minute.
- 11
Add jarred marinara sauce to your skillet.
- 12
Toss in crushed red pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 10 minutes.
- 13
Pour in heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine.
- 14
Add spinach and mushrooms.
- 15
Toss in cooked penne pasta. Toss to combine and add grilled chicken to the top.
Penne Rosa – Noodles & Company Copycat
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of that irresistibly creamy and slightly spicy Penne Rosa from Noodles & Company? Now you can recreate that beloved restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen with this satisfying copycat recipe, delivering authentic flavors and comfort food appeal.
Why This Penne Rosa Works
This recipe shines by perfectly balancing the tang of marinara with the richness of heavy cream and savory chicken broth, creating that signature "Rosa" sauce. The addition of crispy, tender chicken breast, coated in a delightful parmesan breading, elevates the dish, making it a complete and incredibly flavorful meal that rivals the original.
What to Expect
You'll be greeted with a harmonious blend of creamy tomato sauce clinging to perfectly cooked penne pasta. Each forkful offers a delightful contrast: the savory bite of chicken, the fresh burst of diced tomatoes, and the subtle earthiness of optional mushrooms. The baby spinach wilts beautifully into the warm pasta, adding a touch of freshness, while a hint of crushed red pepper flakes provides a gentle warmth that builds with each delicious mouthful. It's comfort food at its best—rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level, from a mild hint to a more noticeable kick. The recipe is also flexible with mushrooms; you can use drained canned sliced mushrooms for convenience or opt for fresh mushrooms for an earthier flavor and texture. For a different protein, while this recipe highlights breaded chicken, you could explore other options that complement the creamy sauce.
Serve this delightful Penne Rosa as a heartwarming weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese just before serving is the perfect finishing touch.