Romano's Macaroni Grill Penne Rustica by Todd Wilbur

Recreate the signature indulgence of "Romano's Macaroni Grill Penne Rustica by Todd Wilbur" in your own kitchen with this creamy, savory pasta bake that combines the comforting flavors of grilled chicken, succulent shrimp, and earthy mushrooms enveloped in a rich rosemary-infused Parmesan and smoked mozzarella cream sauce. This Italian-American classic is elevated with the perfect balance of seasonings, including a hint of cayenne pepper and paprika for a subtle kick, all tossed with tender penne and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner, this restaurant-inspired dish promises gourmet flavor with just 50 minutes from prep to plate. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s as visually stunning as it is irresistible. Try this luscious Penne Rustica for a meal that brings the taste of Macaroni Grill to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 2 teaspoons Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Chicken breast, grilled and diced
• 1 cup Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Rosemary, finely chopped (fresh preferred)
• 1 cup Smoked mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and chicken broth. Heat the mixture over medium heat, but do not allow it to boil.

Step 5

Stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked mozzarella, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the cream mixture. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and gradually add it to the sauce, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add grilled chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Pour the thickened rosemary cream sauce over the mixture.

Step 8

Sprinkle finely chopped rosemary into the skillet and mix well to evenly coat the protein and mushrooms with the sauce.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta and the creamy chicken and shrimp mixture.

Step 11

Sprinkle extra Parmesan and smoked mozzarella over the top for a cheesy crust.

Step 12

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 13

Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2523.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5414.9

Total Fat 276.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 155.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2g
Cholesterol 1626.5mg	0%
Sodium 6358.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 360.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 15.8g
Protein 338.0g	0%

Vitamin D 175.9IU	0%
Calcium 2186.7mg	0%
Iron 23.8mg	0%
Potassium 3948.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.1%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 27.3%