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Penne with Chicken and Broccoli Rabe

Penne with Chicken and Broccoli Rabe brings together pleasantly bitter rapini, juicy rotisserie chicken, and a splash of white wine, rounded out with Parmigiano-Reggiano. The flavors are bright and balanced, with a gentle heat from red pepper flakes and a savory finish. It’s ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual gathering when you want something comforting yet fresh.

  • Prep15 mins
  • Cook25 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyEasy
Penne with Chicken and Broccoli Rabe
  1. 1

    Remove the thick stems from the rapini and coarsely chop it.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rapini, bring it back to a boil, and cook until the stems are crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Lift it out with a slotted spoon and let it drain completely. Keep the pot of water to cook the penne.

  3. 3

    Warm the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds. Add the rapini and white wine; cook until the wine is reduced by half.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, bring the pot of water back to a boil. Add the penne and cook until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the penne, saving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water.

  5. 5

    Add the penne to the pan with the rapini. Add the chicken, the reserved cooking water, and the chicken bouillon. Continue cooking until the penne is tender yet slightly firm, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Divide among serving bowls and serve with the remaining cheese.