Buca di Beppo Penne Cardinale

This recipe is a chicken pasta dish with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce.

Buca di Beppo’s Penne Cardinale is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that combines penne pasta with chicken, mushrooms, and a rich tomato cream sauce.  Buca di Beppo’s Penne Cardinale is a popular Italian-inspired pasta dish that captures the essence of comfort food. It starts with tender penne pasta, cooked to perfection, and then tossed with a creamy tomato sauce. The sauce is the highlight of this dish, as it is made with a combination of tomatoes, cream, and a blend of herbs and spices that create a rich and flavorful base.

The Penne Cardinale also features succulent pieces of chicken, cooked until tender and juicy. The chicken is seasoned with a delicate blend of spices that perfectly complement the creamy tomato sauce. Alongside the chicken, you’ll find earthy and flavorful mushrooms, adding another layer of depth to the dish. The combination of chicken and mushrooms adds a satisfying and hearty element to the pasta, making it a satisfying meal.

The sauce, chicken, and mushrooms come together harmoniously, coating each penne pasta noodle with a velvety, luscious coating. The dish is finished with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty and nutty note that completes the flavor profile.

Penne Cardinale is a favorite among pasta lovers, offering a comforting and indulgent dining experience. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the savory flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and tomato, makes it a standout dish on the menu. Whether enjoyed as a main course or shared among friends and family, Penne Cardinale is sure to leave a lasting impression with its delightful flavors and satisfying combination of ingredients.

Note: The recipe for Buca di Beppo’s Penne Cardinale is not provided here, as it is a proprietary dish of the restaurant.

SERVES: 4–6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• ¾ cup olive oil
• ½ cup green onions
• ¼ cup chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup white wine
• 1¼ cups quartered artichokes
• 1½ cups cream
• 2 pats butter
• 1¾ pounds cooked penne pasta
• ¾ cup grated Romano cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the chicken tenders in half lengthwise.
2. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the green onions and chopped garlic for 3–4 minutes, until slightly browned.
3. Add the chicken, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping the bottom to incorporate any browned bits. Add the quartered artichokes and cream to the pan. Simmer the sauce until it starts to thicken, about 4–5 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and incorporate the pats of butter into the sauce, stirring until melted. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
6. Sprinkle the grated Romano cheese over the pasta and toss again to combine.
7. Serve the chicken and artichoke penne pasta hot, and enjoy!

VARIATIONS:

• Protein Variations: Instead of chicken, you can try using other proteins like shrimp, Italian sausage, or even a combination of different seafood such as scallops and crab meat. This can add different flavors and textures to the dish.
• Vegetable Additions: While the original recipe includes mushrooms, you can experiment with other vegetables to enhance the dish. Consider adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for added color and flavor.
• Cheese Options: While the traditional recipe uses grated Romano cheese, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each cheese will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
• Spicier Version: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add additional crushed red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapenos to make the dish spicier. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Herb Enhancements: While the dish already contains a variety of flavors, you can experiment with different herbs to elevate the taste. Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can be added at the end to enhance the aroma and freshness.