Penne is an elegant and versatile pasta that perfectly represents Italian cuisine. Whether baked in a robust casserole or tossed with fresh, vibrant salad ingredients, the shape and texture make it the star of any dish. The magic of penne lies in its ability to hold and distribute sauce evenly, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavour.
What is penne pasta?
Penne pasta is a true Italian classic, celebrated for its cylindrical shape and distinctive diagonally cut ends, reminiscent of a quill pen. The sturdy texture makes penne incredibly versatile, and its robust shape stands up well to baking, making it ideal for luscious casseroles and pasta bakes. This delightful pasta comes in two varieties: penne lisce and penne rigate.
Penne lisce has a smooth surface, allowing the pasta to glide effortlessly through lighter, more delicate sauces. Its sleek texture makes it perfect for dishes that focus on the pasta quality rather than the sauce and other ingredients. Penne rigate, on the other hand, is characterised by its ridged surface. Its grooves capture and hold onto sauces, ensuring a burst of flavour in every bite.
You can also explore other types of pasta and what they offer. See our articles about lasagne sheets, elbow pasta, and spaghetti for inspirational recipes and tips.
Recipes with penne pasta
Discover a variety of delicious dishes with our curated selection of penne pasta recipes. Each recipe highlights the versatile nature of penne, offering irresistible flavours and textures that are sure to inspire your next meal. Dive into these mouthwatering options and take your pasta game to new heights with your favourite vegetables, dressings, or sauces.
Pasta salad
Delight in our vibrant Italian-inspired pasta salad with white cheese. Perfectly cooked pasta pairs with the creamy richness of white cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. It features succulent black olives, tangy artichoke hearts, and juicy tomatoes, adding a burst of Mediterranean flair. Creamy avocado introduces a smooth, velvety texture that complements the crispness of the mixed Italian salad greens. Lightly dressed with cold-pressed olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, each bite offers a satisfying mix of savoury, tangy, and fresh notes. Serve it for a buffet or a light meal on its own or with sides.
Mediterranean pasta salad
Savour the vibrant flavours and textures of our tantalising Mediterranean pasta salad. It features penne pasta, tangy salad cheese, and crisp kale, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing with a kick of lemon and red vinegar. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, colourful peppers, and savoury black olives, every bite offers a refreshing crunch and a pop of sweet tanginess. The rich, creamy salad cheese and robust black olives add a distinctly Mediterranean flair, bringing a satisfying depth.
Pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce
Indulge in a delectable pasta experience with our tantalising pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce. The recipe combines the sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours of grilled aubergine and tomato paste, resulting in a rich flavour sensation that will captivate your palate. The silky-smooth sauce, enriched with cooking cream, perfectly coats the penne pasta, creating a luxurious texture that will satisfy your cravings. Topped with Parmesan cheese and walnuts, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures.
Cheesy pasta
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this oven-baked cheesy pasta. With tender penne enveloped in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, the meal is completed with a generous topping of gooey melted mozzarella cheese. The creamy base is enhanced by tangy tomato purée and fresh basil, ensuring each forkful is bursting with flavour. It is perfect as a family meal or a savoury side dish to complement your favourite main course.
Chicken pasta bake
Relish the irresistible flavours and textures of our delectable chicken pasta bake. It features succulent chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety tomato sauce, all topped with a golden, gooey layer of Tex-Mex cheese. The result is a symphony of savoury and creamy goodness, offering a delightful contrast of crispy crust and tender, cheesy perfection. With just the right balance of flavours and textures, our chicken pasta bake promises to be a culinary triumph that will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Penne arrabbiata
Welcome a classic pasta dish to your dinner table with our spicy penne arrabbiata. Italian tradition at its best: fast, simple, and full of flavour. Tender penne pasta is cooked in a smooth tomato sauce infused with chilli, garlic, and oregano. Simplicity makes way for greatness as you prepare an excellent dinner or a quick lunch in only fifteen minutes. There is a reason this is a beloved classic. And remember, you can always adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.
Tuna pasta bake
Pasta bakes are great options when you want to cook hearty family dinners. Our tasty recipe for tuna pasta bake takes this idea to heart and pairs creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce with savoury, flaky tuna. Along with red pepper, spring onions, and parsley, all the ingredients nestle together in the oven to create a wholesome meal. The bake is topped with mozzarella for a golden crown of crispy crust. Serve for the whole family and let everyone bite into tender penne coated in a luscious sauce with colourful, crisp veggies.
Chicken fajita pasta bake
Our recipe for tasty chicken fajita pasta bake combines the smoky flavours of Mexican spices with the richness and creaminess that classic pasta bakes are known for. This version has a creamy béchamel sauce that coats succulent chicken and colourful veggies. By adding classic fajita seasoning to the mix, the dish is injected with warm, robust nuances. Mozzarella and cheddar cheese join forces to create a creamy interior and a mouthwatering bubbly crust.
Cooking penne pasta
The right texture is essential for all types of pasta, including penne. You want a slight bite yet a tender feel and the right amount of salt to enhance the natural flavour. In the following paragraphs, we guide you through some essentials to help you reach the best result every time.
How long to cook penne?
Cooking penne pasta to perfection typically takes 8-12 minutes. For the best results, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and then add the penne. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 10 minutes, taste the pasta to test the texture. It should be al dente, meaning tender but with a little bite.
How much penne pasta per person?
Aim for 125 grams of dried penne per person. This amount strikes a perfect balance, providing a satisfying portion that pairs wonderfully with various sauces and accompaniments. If you are planning a pasta dish with, for example, a chicken breast or a steak on the side, you can decrease the amount of penne to 100 grams per person.
How to know when penne is done?
To determine when penne pasta is perfectly cooked, look for the al dente texture. This means the pasta should be tender but have a slight firmness. Start tasting the penne a few minutes before the suggested cooking time on the package. Cut a piece in half; the interior should be cooked through but not mushy, with a slight resistance when bitten. This al dente texture ensures that the penne pasta will hold its shape and provide a delightful bite, making it the perfect canvas for your chosen sauce.