Rusty Penny: A Taste of Comfort and Italian Soul

There are some dishes that, with a single whiff, transport you back in time. For me, Rusty Penny (or Penne Rustica, as it’s more formally known) is one of those culinary touchstones. I remember first encountering it years ago, a vibrant, hearty pasta dish that felt like a warm hug in a bowl. It was at a place that aimed for authentic Italian, and while I couldn’t quite pinpoint its exact origins on a traditional menu, it quickly became a dish I craved. The richness, the interplay of textures, the satisfying depth of flavor – it was a revelation. Later, while dabbling in copycat recipes online, I was struck by how many variations existed, each with its own interpretation. This particular version, however, strikes a beautiful balance: accessible for a weeknight, yet special enough for company, and wonderfully forgiving if you find yourself short on a particular ingredient.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: One 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Pork, Shellfish, Poultry

Ingredients

This recipe brings together a delightful medley of flavors and textures, creating a dish that’s both rustic and refined.

• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente and drained
• 1/4 pound pancetta, unsmoked Italian bacon, cubed
• 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (frozen is perfectly fine; you’ll thaw them gently)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 1 (16-ounce) jar alfredo sauce
• 1 (8-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment Needed

To bring this delicious dish to life, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large skillet for sautéing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A casserole dish (approximately 9×13 inches) or individual ramekins
• Spatula or large spoon for mixing

Instructions

The magic of Rusty Penny lies in its straightforward assembly, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. Follow these steps for a truly satisfying meal.

1. Cook the Penne: Begin by cooking your penne pasta in a generously salted pot of boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This means it should be tender but still offer a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Pancetta and Aromatics: In a large skillet, cube the pancetta. Place it over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and has rendered its delicious fat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking the pancetta, being careful not to burn it.
3. Thaw and Cook Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, place them in a bowl of warm water to thaw gently. Once thawed, add the shrimp to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and are heated through. This should only take a couple of minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
4. Add the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Add these chicken strips to the skillet with the pancetta, garlic, and shrimp. Continue to cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5. Combine the Savory Elements: Once the chicken is cooked, you’ve built a wonderful foundation of flavor. The mixture in your skillet, comprising the rendered pancetta, fragrant garlic, tender shrimp, and cooked chicken, is now ready to be incorporated into the pasta.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the alfredo sauce and the marinara sauce. Add the sour cream and stir until the sauces are smoothly blended into a harmonious, rich sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.
7. Assemble the Dish: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the drained penne pasta in a large bowl. Add the cooked pancetta, garlic, shrimp, and chicken mixture to the pasta. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and the savory additions are evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
8. Prepare for Baking: Pour the pasta mixture into your chosen casserole dish or divide it among individual ramekins. Ensure the pasta is spread out evenly.
9. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and the 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
10. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Rusty Penny experience from simply delicious to truly exceptional, consider these insights:

• Pancetta Prowess: While unsmoked Italian pancetta is traditional, if you can’t find it, good quality thick-cut bacon can be a substitute. Just be aware it will have a smokier flavor. Render it slowly over medium-low heat to get the most flavor and crispness.
• Mushroom Magic: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when sautéing the mushrooms. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown nicely and develop a richer flavor, rather than steaming. This adds a depth that simple cooked mushrooms won’t achieve.
• Sauce Symphony: The combination of alfredo and marinara is key to the dish’s signature flavor. If you’re in a real pinch, as mentioned in the original notes, a good quality pre-made tomato alfredo sauce can work as a shortcut. However, blending your own alfredo and marinara gives you more control over the balance of creamy and tangy notes.
• Spice it Up (or Down): The red pepper flakes are entirely optional. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch more, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce blend.
• Perfect Penne: Undercooking the pasta slightly before baking is crucial. It will continue to cook in the oven, and if it’s already fully cooked, it can become mushy. Aim for al dente!
• Make it a Casserole: This dish is wonderful when baked in individual ramekins. It makes for elegant individual servings and can be a great option for entertaining. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Rusty Penny is best served piping hot, straight from the oven, when the cheese is gloriously melted and the aromas are at their peak. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness, or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Be mindful that pasta can absorb more sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore a creamy consistency.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	405.5 kcal
Calories from Fat	140 kcal
Total Fat	15.5 g	20%
Saturated Fat	7 g	35%
Cholesterol	145 mg	48%
Sodium	850 mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate	45 g	16%
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	13%
Total Sugars	4 g
Protein	25 g	50%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe stands beautifully on its own, it’s also wonderfully adaptable.

• Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the pancetta, chicken, and shrimp. You can bolster the vegetable component by adding more mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
• Leaner Protein: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken and shrimp with lean turkey breast strips or even firm tofu cubes.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh basil or oregano, finely chopped, can be stirred into the sauce for an extra layer of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely for a mild dish.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What kind of pasta is best for Rusty Penny?
A: Penne is the traditional choice because its shape holds sauce beautifully. However, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle would also work well.

Q: My sauce seems a bit thick. How can I thin it out?
A: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk, cream, or even a little of the pasta cooking water before mixing it with the pasta.

Q: Can I freeze Rusty Penny?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly. The texture of the pasta might be slightly softer upon reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have both alfredo and marinara sauce?
A: If you’re missing one of the sauces, you can use a larger jar of the one you have available and adjust the flavor profile accordingly. You could also use a pre-made rosé sauce, which is essentially a blend of tomato and cream sauces.

Final Thoughts

Rusty Penny is more than just a pasta dish; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and savor good food and good company. Its comforting nature and robust flavors make it a perennial favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly remarkable. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and prepare to be delighted by this hearty, flavorful pasta creation. I encourage you to give it a try, and I’d love to hear about your own Rusty Penny experiences!