Penne Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Penne Pasta to transport you straight to the heart of Italian comfort food. With its delightfully chewy tubes generously coated in a creamy, dreamy tomato Parmesan sauce, this recipe brings together simple staples in the most soul-satisfying way. It’s a dish I keep in regular dinner rotation, and for good reason: it’s easy, fast, and tastes like a warm hug. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, Penne Pasta always manages to surprise with big flavors and effortless elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Penne Pasta recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is—each item chosen not only brings flavor, but also texture and color to your dish. Think of it as assembling a small cast of all-star players, each essential for creating that signature creamy, vibrant finish.

• Penne Pasta: It’s the foundation—those sturdy tubes hold sauce like no other, giving each bite plenty of flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds a fruity base and sautéing power—choose extra virgin for the best aroma.
• Onion (diced): Offers sweetness and depth to balance out the tang of tomato sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Essential for that classic, irresistible Italian fragrance.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives bold, tangy body—choose a quality sauce for a richer flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce velvety smooth, rounding out acidity and adding a luscious mouthfeel.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated): The salty, nutty backbone—don’t skip freshly grated if possible.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances and sharpens all the other flavors.
• Fresh Basil (for garnish): Bright, herbaceous finish—tears of green that make everything pop!

How to Make Penne Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Penne Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Drop in the Penne Pasta and cook it until just al dente—usually about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. The pasta should be tender but still have a resilient bite. Scoop out ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this liquid gold will help marry everything together later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing a gentle sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it might turn bitter.

Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir, making sure to scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan. If you’d like, add a pinch of dried Italian herbs here. Let the sauce gently bubble for about five minutes; this will concentrate the flavors and blend the onion and garlic harmoniously.

Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce transforms—becoming beautifully creamy and rich. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly. Taste, then season with salt and pepper, allowing the cheesy, tangy sauce to shine but not overwhelm.

Step 5: Combine Penne Pasta and Sauce

Toss your hot Penne Pasta straight into the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat every piece, loosening with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for that perfect glossy finish. Each tube should be thoroughly dressed, neither soupy nor dry.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your creamy Penne Pasta to plates or a big serving bowl. Finish with a generous shower of fresh basil leaves and maybe another sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it up while it’s wonderfully warm and the aroma fills the whole kitchen.

How to Serve Penne Pasta

Garnishes

For a truly irresistible bowl of Penne Pasta, top with torn fresh basil right before serving. Add a final dusting of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of fruity olive oil, or even a little sprinkle of chili flakes for gentle heat. These easy toppings not only add flavor but make the dish as beautiful as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

Pair your Penne Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Fresh garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side is perfection, ideal for mopping up every last bit of sauce. If you’re in the mood, roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli are always welcome alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want to level up your presentation, try serving Penne Pasta in individual bowls with a mini basil sprig perched on top. Or nestle the pasta into a shallow platter garnished with colorful cherry tomatoes and scattered basil leaves for a celebratory look. For easy serving at gatherings, keep everything in a large, family-style bowl and let everyone help themselves—just don’t forget extra cheese at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so you’ll look forward to your next meal just as much as the first! Be sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing it up to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Penne Pasta, though the sauce may separate slightly on thawing due to the cream. To freeze, let the pasta cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months—just label and date for easy grabbing on a busy day.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your Penne Pasta again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. Top with a bit more Parmesan and fresh basil for the perfect second serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While Penne Pasta is perfect for catching creamy sauces, you can substitute rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli if you have them on hand. The cooking time might vary slightly, so check for al dente texture before draining.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already meatless, making it a wonderful vegetarian meal. To make it vegan, swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative and choose a vegan Parmesan. The flavors remain rich and satisfying, so everyone at the table can dig in.

Can I add protein to this Penne Pasta recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta are delicious additions if you want extra heartiness. Just cook your protein separately and toss it with the sauce and pasta at the end.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No heavy cream? No problem. You can use whole milk mixed with a small pat of butter for added richness. Alternatively, try half-and-half. The sauce may be slightly less thick, but still plenty indulgent.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

For a bit of heat in your Penne Pasta, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when adding the garlic. You can also top each serving with Calabrian chili peppers for a fiery kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that guarantees comfort and instant smiles, this creamy Penne Pasta will absolutely deliver. I hope you give it a try and savor just how wonderful simple ingredients can be—one warm, cheesy forkful at a time!

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