PINK PASTA

A perfect mix of red and creamy pasta.

I taught this recipe to my best friend and she now makes it every week. I love getting her food pictures sent to me.

This meal is my partner and I's favourite recipe - Mel Smith

INGREDIENTS

• 100G GRATED CHEESE

• 50G PARMESAN

• 500G PENNE PASTA

• 300ML THICKENED CREAM

• 1KG OF CHICKEN BREAST

• 1 RED ONION

• 250G BACON

• 400G RED CAPSICUM

• 250G MUSHROOM

• 1 CHICKEN STOCK CUBE

EASY PASTA SAUCE

• 1 can (400G) CRUSHED TOMATOES

• 2 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED

• 1 TBSP OLIVE OIL

• 1 TSP OREGANO

• SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
  

METHOD

Prepare the Pasta:

• Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.

• Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water in a strainer to stop the cooking process.

Cook the Chicken and Bacon:

• In a large skillet or frying pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat.

• Add the diced chicken breast to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through.

• Add the diced bacon to the same pan and cook until crispy. Remove excess fat if necessary.

Prepare the Sauce:

• Add the diced red onion, red capsicum, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the cooked chicken and bacon. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

Prepare the Easy Pasta Sauce:

• In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine Ingredients:

• Once the vegetables are cooked, add the prepared easy pasta sauce and the chicken stock cube to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

• Pour in the thickened cream and stir until the sauce turns pink and everything is well incorporated.

• Add the grated cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Final Assembly:

• Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated with the pink sauce and all ingredients are combined.

• Serve the Pink Pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs if desired.