10+ Penne Pasta Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Penne pasta is a versatile favorite that can shine in many dishes. Whether you’re making a comforting dinner for yourself or impressing guests, there is a penne recipe for every occasion.

From creamy dishes to a hearty meat sauce, you can create something delicious that suits your taste and mood.

In this article, you will discover a variety of penne pasta recipes that are easy to follow and full of flavor. You’ll find ideas that range from quick weeknight meals to more elaborate gourmet options, ensuring that you always have a great dish at your fingertips.

These recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the deliciousness of penne pasta.

1) Creamy Garlic Penne

Creamy Garlic Penne is a simple dish packed with flavor. You will love how quickly you can prepare it. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

To start, cook your penne pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.

Meanwhile, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute to bring out its aroma.

Next, sprinkle in some flour and stir constantly for another minute. Then, slowly add chicken or vegetable broth and milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Toss in the cooked penne and mix well.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 additional minute.
5. Slowly add the broth and milk, whisking until thickened.
6. Mix in the cooked penne and serve.

2) Penne with Tomato and Basil

Penne with tomato and basil is a simple and tasty dish. It features fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, which come together to create a delightful sauce. You can make this meal in about 15 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.

Start by cooking the penne pasta in boiling water until it’s al dente.

In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add chopped tomatoes and let them simmer. Stir in fresh basil for extra flavor.

Once the pasta is cooked, mix it with the tomato sauce. Top with grated cheese if you like, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook the penne pasta until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until aromatic.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve with cheese if desired.

3) Baked Penne Delight

Baked Penne Delight is a comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a family meal. You combine penne pasta with a creamy sauce, cheese, and your choice of meat or veggies. Then, bake it until golden and bubbly.

To start, cook your penne until it’s al dente. Mix it with marinara sauce and a creamy blend of cheeses. You can also add meatballs or veggies for extra flavor.

Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Enjoy this warm and cheesy pasta dish straight from the oven.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cooked meatballs or veggies
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook penne pasta until al dente.
3. In a large bowl, mix pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and meat.
4. Pour into a baking dish and top with mozzarella and herbs.
5. Bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy!

4) Penne with Spinach and Chicken

Penne with spinach and chicken is a flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. You’ll enjoy tender chicken and fresh spinach combined with hearty penne pasta in a creamy sauce.

Cooking this meal is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The blend of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese adds a delightful taste to each bite.

To make it, you will need a few simple ingredients. This dish is sure to please your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Pour in the cream and add Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined.
6. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together.
7. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and mix well.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!

5) Garlic and Olive Oil Penne

Garlic and olive oil penne is a simple and tasty dish. It combines the rich flavors of garlic and the smoothness of olive oil. You can whip it up in no time!

Start by cooking your penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it burn!

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet. Toss the pasta with the garlic oil. Season with salt and crushed red pepper for a little kick. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a pot and cook penne until al dente.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
5. Toss with garlic oil, salt, and crushed red pepper. Serve warm.

6) Penne with Sun-dried Tomatoes

Penne with sun-dried tomatoes is a delightful dish that brings rich flavors to your table. This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for busy evenings.

You’ll need penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor, making every bite enjoyable.

Cook the penne until al dente, then toss it with the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a fresh finish.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 jar (8.5 ounces) sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water.
3. In a large pan, combine sun-dried tomatoes and garlic over medium heat.
4. Add the cooked penne and a splash of reserved water, mixing everything well.
5. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

7) Classic Penne Marinara

Classic Penne Marinara is a simple and tasty dish you can make in no time. It features penne pasta and a rich marinara sauce that highlights fresh flavors.

To make this dish, start by cooking your penne according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente, which usually takes about 11-13 minutes.

For the marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and diced onions, cooking until they’re soft. Then, pour in canned tomatoes and season with basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Finally, combine the penne and marinara sauce. Toss well to coat each piece of pasta. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like!

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and diced onions, cook until soft.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Toss the cooked penne with the marinara sauce.
7. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

8) Penne with Italian Sausage

Penne with Italian sausage is a hearty meal perfect for any night. The flavors blend well, making it a favorite among many.

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions.

While the pasta cooks, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet until it’s fully cooked.

Add garlic and diced tomatoes to the sausage. Let it simmer for a few minutes to bring out the flavors.

Combine the sausage mixture with the cooked penne, then top it with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 8 oz Italian sausage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and diced tomatoes to the skillet and simmer.
4. Mix the sausage mixture with the cooked penne.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

9) Penne with Mushrooms and Parmesan

This tasty dish brings together penne pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week.

You will start by cooking the penne until it’s al dente. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms in olive oil. Add garlic for flavor. Once the mushrooms are soft, mix in your cooked pasta.

Next, add heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

This dish is simple, delicious, and sure to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dry penne pasta
• 1 pound button mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Mix in the cooked penne.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10) Spicy Penne Arrabbiata

Spicy Penne Arrabbiata is a simple and flavorful dish. It features penne pasta and a spicy tomato sauce that brings a kick to your meal. You can whip up this dish in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

To make it, start with your favorite penne pasta. Cook it according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce with olive oil, chopped garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Add canned tomatoes and simmer to combine the flavors.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the sauce. Top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your spicy, homemade Penne Arrabbiata!

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 26 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
• 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the canned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss to coat.
6. Serve topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.