Copycat Macaroni Grill's Penne Rustica

 This recipe is pretty much one of the best things i've ever eaten! It is a heart-attack in a dish, but worth every bite!

Copycat Macaroni Grill's Penne Rustica

by Recipezaar

Gratinata sauce ( use 4 1/2 cups )

1 teaspoon butter

1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dill
1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary
1/2 cup marsala cooking wine
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups heavy cream

Penne Rustica
1/2 ounce pancetta or bacon
9 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 ounces grilled chicken breasts, sliced (1 large breast or 2 small)
8-12 ounces penne pasta, cooked
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped pimiento (optional)
3 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon chopped shallot
 pinch salt and pepper
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3 sprigs fresh rosemary (for garnish)

1.For Gratinata Sauce: Saute butter, garlic, and rosemary until garlic begins to brown.
2.Add Marsala wine and reduce by one-third.
3.Add remaining ingredients, reduce by half of the original volume.
4.Set aside.
5.For Penne Rustica: Saute pancetta or bacon until it begins to brown.
6.Add butter, shallots, and shrimp.
7.Cook until shrimp are evenly pink but still translucent.
8.Add chicken, salt, pepper, and mix thoroughly.
9.Add gratinata sauce and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
10.Simmer until sauce thickens.
11.In a large bowl, combine shrimp and chicken mixture with the cooked pasta.
12.Pour into a large casserole dish or roaster.
13. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup more parmesan cheese, pimientos and sprinkle with paprika.
14.Bake at 475 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.

15.Remove and garnish with fresh rosemary sprig.