5 Delicious Penne Pasta Recipes You Must Try

Are you craving a quick, delicious, and comforting meal? Look no further than penne pasta, the versatile and hearty pasta shape that can be the base for so many scrumptious dishes. From creamy sauces to robust meat mixtures, penne pasta is perfect for absorbing flavors and making each bite a delight. Here are five irresistible penne pasta recipes that you absolutely need to try at home. Whether you're looking for something light or indulgent, there's a recipe here for every palate.

Penne Al Vodka

Penne al Vodka is an iconic dish that promises an explosion of flavors with every forkful. Here’s how you can make it at home:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup vodka
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the vodka, increase heat, and cook until it’s reduced by half.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Toss the cooked penne in the sauce, sprinkle with basil and Parmesan, then serve immediately.

Your penne al vodka is ready to be devoured. The subtle heat from the pepper flakes, combined with the rich, creamy sauce, makes this dish a must-try for any pasta lover.

💡 Note: Make sure to use a good quality vodka for the best flavor. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind only a depth of flavor.

Pesto Penne

If you’re in the mood for something fresh and vibrant, Pesto Penne is the way to go. It’s simple, yet bursts with flavors:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ¹⁄₂ cup pine nuts
  • ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ¹⁄₂ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Boil the penne pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic. Pulse while gradually adding olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the pesto with the hot, drained pasta, adding pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
  4. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and serve, optionally with a squeeze of lemon for a touch of freshness.

The bright colors and bold flavors make this pesto penne a visually appealing and delightful dish.

Chicken Alfredo Penne

Comforting and indulgent, Chicken Alfredo Penne is a classic that everyone should know how to make:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Start by cooking the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and keep warm.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet with butter until golden and cooked through. Slice the chicken into strips once cooled slightly.
  3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  4. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  5. Combine the pasta with the sauce, top with chicken strips, and garnish with parsley.

This dish is the epitome of comfort food with its rich, creamy sauce and tender pieces of chicken.

Vegetarian Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Looking for a lighter option? Try this vibrant Vegetarian Penne with Roasted Vegetables:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 eggplant, diced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.
  2. While the vegetables are roasting, cook the penne until al dente, then drain.
  3. Mix the roasted vegetables with the cooked penne, adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you desire.

This dish highlights the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables, complemented by the texture of penne pasta.

Baked Penne with Four Cheeses

End your culinary journey with the luxurious Baked Penne with Four Cheeses:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¹⁄₄ cup Romano cheese, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
  • Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook penne until al dente, then drain.
  2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  3. Combine the cheese mixture with the pasta, adding in the marinara sauce.
  4. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

This decadent dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or when you want to impress guests.

These penne pasta recipes show off the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved pasta shape. Whether you choose to savor the rich flavors of Penne Al Vodka or enjoy the fresh taste of Pesto Penne, each recipe brings something unique to the table. They are not only easy to prepare but also offer a variety of textures and flavors to satisfy any craving. Don't hesitate to get creative with additional ingredients like different types of cheese, meats, or veggies to tailor these dishes to your taste.

The key to mastering these recipes lies in understanding how pasta interacts with different sauces and ingredients. Remember, cooking penne is not just about following a recipe; it's about embracing the comfort and joy that comes from a well-cooked pasta dish. Enjoy the process, and you'll find that even simple ingredients can lead to remarkable results. So, the next time you're pondering what to cook, turn to one of these penne pasta recipes and let your taste buds thank you!

What is the best type of penne for these recipes?

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Penne Rigate, with its ridged texture, is ideal as it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Can I make these recipes vegan?

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Yes, you can substitute dairy products with vegan alternatives like cashew cream for cheese and coconut milk or almond milk for cream in most of these recipes.

How can I store leftovers?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

What are some common variations of these recipes?

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You can add proteins like shrimp or Italian sausage to any of these recipes. Alternatively, use different vegetables or experiment with herbs and spices to create unique flavors.