Penne with Chicken Marengo

Legend has it that Napoleon's chef created Chicken Marengo for the general after a battlefield victory. Despite its glorious history, it differs very little from a traditional peasant dish of chicken braised with tomatoes and garlic. This version is enlivened with a touch of citrus in the sauce. Served over pasta, it makes a well-rounded meal fit for a victorious soldier--or a hungry family.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 0 hours 10 mins
Cook Time: 0 hours 20 mins
Total Time: 0 hours 30 mins
8 oz. penne
1/2 c. dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 c. sliced mushrooms
1/2 c. chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree
1/2 c. orange juice
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1 tsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and transfer to a warmed serving bowl.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, cover the sun-dried tomatoes with boiling water and soak for 5 minutes. When softened, drain and chop coarsely. Set aside.
  3. Toss the chicken with the flour, thyme, and pepper. In a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Add the mushrooms and 2 tablespoons of the broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are barely softened and have begun to release their juices.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes (with puree), orange juice, orange zest, sugar, salt, the sun-dried tomatoes, and the remaining broth. Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and the flavors are blended.
  5. Pour the mixture over the pasta and toss to coat well.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Recipes