Monday, December 6, 2010

Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken

Can you imagine how it would feel to win $25,000 for one of your recipes? Forget the money for a minute...wouldn't that be the ultimate compliment? This recipe for Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken was Taste of Home's biggest grand prize winner ever. I first saw it over on my friend Lara's site, Recipe Shoebox. I knew instantly that it would be a hit at my house. I just wish I had made it sooner.

This recipe is everything that good comfort food should be: creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and downright lip-smacking good. It's the kind of food where you go back for more, not because you're hungry, but because it's so darn good. If you're a fan of blue cheese, please make this recipe. I promise that you won't be sorry.
Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken
Adapted from Taste of Home Magazine
Time:30 minutes
Serves: 8
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" pieces (I used rotisserie chicken)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large garlic cloves, minced (I used 2 cloves)
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 cups (8 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
6-8 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or minced fresh parsley

Cook the pasta to according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, make the sauce.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown chicken in oil on all sides. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. (Note: I used leftover rotisserie chicken and just added the chicken to the sauce at the end until it was warmed through).

Add cream and broth; cook until sauce is slightly thickened and chicken is no longer pink. Stir in the Gorgonzola cheese , sage, salt and pepper; cook just until cheese is melted.

Drain pasta; toss with sauce. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and parsley.
Notes/Results: This was one of those recipes where I knew it was going to be good, but was surprised by just how good it was. I loved it! When I first started making the sauce I was a little worried about adding 2 cups of Gorgonzola. I was afraid the Gorgonzola would take over and be too powerful, but it didn't. While most creamy pasta recipes are on the bland side, this recipe was perfectly flavorful with fairly subtle hints of the Gorgonzola. I was also happy that I used leftover chicken to make this recipe. Don't get me wrong. I would've loved to have the browned bits from freshly cooked chicken, but I think I preferred the softer texture of the rotisserie chicken in this recipe. This recipe truly does make enough for 8 full servings and would be great at a dinner party or to serve a crowd. This is one of those keeper recipes that I will make again and again.

26 comments:

  1. I think you would hear me screaming all the way down where you are if I ever won that much money for a recipe. Ever. Wow. I definitely need to try this.

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  2. I love Taste of Home recipes--I don't think I've made one I haven't liked!

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  3. That is a lot of money...I would be pretty darn happy.

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  4. Fabulous pasta. I love the sharpness of gorgonzola so I think I'm going to love this.

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  5. Yum! I've been waiting for this one ever since I saw it on your line-up. Love that you used leftover chicken. Great idea!

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  6. Looks awesome! I need to get back to some real cooking recipes...I have been baking so much that we have been doing a lot of takeout and pizza...this looks perfect for a cold night!
    I am glad you like the cookies. I am stocking up my freezer with all kinds for when all my family stays with us over the holidays! Hope you have a great week! :)

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  7. Hey lady! Happy Holidays! This looks and sounds wonderful. I make a Blushing Penne that my family adores. I bet that they'd dig this too!

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  8. This is a "warm your tummy" kind of meal I need on a frigid night like tonight!

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  9. What a decedent dish! I'm sure it deserved the dough!

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  10. This looks absolutely sumptuous! How I'd love to sit in front of a big hot bowl of this pasta.
    *kisses* HH

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  11. I remember seeing this recipe when it won and wanted to try it then, but then again, I am an absolute gorgonzola ADDICT, so that was no surprise. I'm glad you tried it so I can see how good it really is!

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  12. So glad you enjoyed it! I need to put it on the menu again soon. :)

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  13. Since I'm never going to win $25,000 for a recipe, I shall console myself with that comforting dish. Gorgonzola is all dressed up and center stage - love it!

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  14. Oh yum, that looks just amazing! I've actually never made anything with gorgonzola. . .can't wait to try!

    -Krystal @ recipesofacheapskate.blogspot.com

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  15. I am finding myself needing to eat at your house, loveing all of your recipes lately.

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  16. oooooh, must have this pasta! i'm going to have to forget for a day that i'm the only one that likes gorgonzola and just make this anyway. it's no wonder this recipe won a prize, it looks awesome!!

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  17. You have made another stellar dish. This one looks and sounds so comforting.

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  18. OMG, this looks awesome. I think if I ran it through the WW recipe builder, the site would explode. It's an indulgence I'd need to invite friends over to share. Way to go, Kim!

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  19. I am Soooo drooling all over my keyboard!

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  20. I always look forward to coming here, what a good looking dish. All i would need is a slice of bread and it would be heaven!

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  21. I love Recipe Shoe box!!! Your pasta looks divine-i'm pretty sure this is one of those that I printed:) Good to know it is a good one!!

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  22. This looks really creamy and delicious. I like that the gorgonzola doesn't overwhelm the dish too. I wish I had a big plate right now. ;-)

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  23. My family loves Gorgonzola, so I'm sure this will be a hit with us too.
    Mimi

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  24. I don't usually thing of pairing gorgonzola with poultry, it's more for beef for me. But damn this sounds creamy, rich, and I can't wait to try it.

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  25. Mmm, comfort food at its best! I could dive right into that platter.

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