Penne Rigate Recipes: A Guide to Delicious Pasta Dishes
Penne rigate, with its distinctive ridges, is a pasta shape that perfectly holds onto sauces. Its versatility makes it a favorite for countless dishes, from simple weeknight meals to impressive dinner party fare. This guide explores diverse and delicious penne rigate recipes, catering to different tastes and skill levels.
Simple & Speedy Penne Rigate Recipes
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Classic Tomato and Basil Penne:
This is the quintessential penne rigate recipe, a simple yet satisfying dish.
- Ingredients: 1 lb penne rigate, 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic (minced), fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Cook penne according to package directions. Toss cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and fresh basil. Serve immediately. Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Creamy Pesto Penne:
A quick and flavorful option that's both comforting and delicious.
- Ingredients: 1 lb penne rigate, store-bought or homemade pesto, heavy cream or crème fraîche, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Cook penne according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, combine pesto and cream in a saucepan, warming gently. Toss cooked pasta with the pesto cream sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: Add some roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
More Adventurous Penne Rigate Recipes
For those looking to explore more complex flavor profiles, these recipes will delight.
Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Penne:
This dish combines the heat of Italian sausage with the freshness of broccoli.
- Ingredients: 1 lb penne rigate, Italian sausage (removed from casings), 1 head broccoli (cut into florets), garlic (minced), onion (chopped), crushed red pepper flakes, olive oil, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Brown sausage in olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add broccoli florets and red pepper flakes. Cook until broccoli is tender-crisp. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook penne according to package directions. Toss pasta with the sausage and broccoli sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Penne with Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
A rich and earthy dish perfect for a cozy night in.
- Ingredients: 1 lb penne rigate, assorted mushrooms (sliced), garlic (minced), shallots (chopped), butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté shallots and garlic in butter. Add mushrooms and thyme. Cook until mushrooms are tender. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cook penne according to package directions. Toss pasta with the creamy mushroom sauce. Tip: Use a mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
Tips for Perfect Penne Rigate
- Salt the pasta water generously: This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente—firm to the bite.
- Save some pasta water: This can be added to the sauce to create a creamier consistency.
- Use high-quality ingredients: This will make a significant difference in the overall taste of your dish.
- Get creative with your toppings: Fresh herbs, grated cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil can elevate any penne rigate dish.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. The beauty of penne rigate is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different sauces, vegetables, and proteins to create your own signature dishes. Enjoy!
