Best Penne In Almond Sauce Recipes

Penne in Almond Sauce image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound penne pasta
2 cups (9 ounces) blanched, slivered almonds
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 store-bought, rotisserie chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
1 cup frozen petite peas
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 large lemon, zested
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups grated Parmesan
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
In a blender, combine the almonds, chicken stock, olive oil, and garlic. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into a large skillet and turn the heat on to medium. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken, peas, cream and lemon zest. Cook, stirring frequently until the chicken is heated through, about 4 minutes (mixture will be thick). Season with salt and pepper, to taste
Put the cooked pasta into a serving bowl and add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Toss together until the pasta is coated. Add the chicken mixture, the remaining cheese and the basil. Toss the ingredients together, adding the reserved pasta water, as needed, to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

Penne with Almond Pesto and Green Beans image

Provided by Julia Turshen

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
2 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped toasted almonds, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound penne
8 ounces green beans (about 2 cups), trimmed, thinly sliced on a bias
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

Pulse garlic, basil, 1/2 cup almonds, and 1 tsp. salt in a food processor until combined. With the motor running, slowly add oil and pulse again until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
Cook penne in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, and add green beans 30 seconds before pasta is al dente. Drain pasta and green beans, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid, and add to pesto. Stir vigorously and add pasta cooking liquid as needed to fully coat. Season with salt.
Transfer pasta mixture to a serving bowl or platter and top with Parmesan and remaining 2 Tbsp. almonds. Serve immediately or at room temperature.