Simple Penne Pasta Recipes: A Quick Guide to Delicious Meals
Pasta is a staple in many households, offering a quick and easy meal option. Penne pasta, with its cylindrical shape and slight angle, is perfect for holding onto sauces, making it incredibly versatile. This guide provides simple penne pasta recipes for various tastes and skill levels, ensuring you can whip up a delicious meal in minutes.
Basic Penne with Tomato Sauce
This recipe is a classic, perfect for beginners and those short on time. It's a foundation you can easily build upon with added ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 jar (24-26 oz) your favorite tomato sauce (marinara, arrabbiata, etc.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
- Combine sauce and pasta: Add the tomato sauce to the garlic and stir. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Penne
This recipe elevates the basic tomato sauce with the addition of creamy goodness and spinach for extra nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 jar (24-26 oz) tomato sauce
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne according to package directions.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine sauce and cream: Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Add pasta and cheese: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Quick Penne with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
This vibrant recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and showcases the versatility of penne.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne according to package directions.
- Combine ingredients: Drain the pasta and add it to a large bowl. Stir in the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!
These simple penne pasta recipes are just starting points. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, meats, and spices to create your own unique variations. Remember to adjust seasoning to your preference for the best results! Enjoy!
