Penne Caprese Recipes

CAPRESE CHICKEN PENNE ALFREDO

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. (Reserve some pasta water to add back in case the dish needs moisture.)
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until very fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the cream and Parmesan and cook, stirring frequently until the mixture begins to boil, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cooked pasta and carefully toss to completely coat, then continue to cook until the mixture is smooth and thick, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Carefully stir until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is glossy and creamy; remove from the heat.
• Alternating 1 slice of tomato and 1 slice of mozzarella, shingle around the outer edge of the skillet creating a ring that covers the pasta. Repeat with the remaining tomato and mozzarella forming smaller concentric rings until the pasta is completely covered. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with some salt and bake until the mozzarella is beginning to melt but the slices still hold their shape and are still white, about 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, then top with the basil and serve.

PENNE CAPRESE

Steps:

• Mix mozzarella, tomatoes, oil and vinegar.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover with a cloth and let sit at room temperature for an hour or so.
• Add basil and toss.
• Cook sausage and slice.
• Cook pasta, drain, and return to pot.
• Mix tomato mixture and cooked sausage in with pasta.

CAPRESE CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Place chicken thighs in a large pot and pour in water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 20 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken to a plate and shred with 2 forks.
• Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute an additional 2 minutes. Whisk in flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, being careful not to burn, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Add shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese to the onions; stir until well incorporated. Add diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Add rice and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil. Spoon mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.
• While the casserole is baking, combine basil, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and garlic for pesto sauce in a food processor; pulse until blended. Pour olive oil in slowly, with the processor running, until mixture is smooth.
• Remove casserole from the oven and top with pesto sauce.

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Gently stir in the tomatoes, cheese and basil., In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.