Pasta | Vegetarian

Penne

Triticum aestivum Allergens: Wheat, Gluten
Penne

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Durum wheat semolina

The Forktionary Angle

"The versatile Italian staple perfect for maximizing sauce adhesion with its signature ridged tubes."

Definition

A type of pasta characterized by its small, cylindrical, tube-like shape with ends cut at an angle, often ridged.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral, Starchy (when cooked)
TextureFirm, Chewy, Al dente
AromaMild, Starchy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Consumption Rank (Pasta)

Top 5

Optimal Cooking Time

10-12 mins (al dente)

Sauce Adhesion

Excellent (due to ridges & shape)

Nutrition Facts

Per 56g (2 oz dry)
Calories370 kcal
Total Fat1.5 g
Saturated Fat0.3 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein13 g
Total Carbohydrate74 g
Dietary Fiber3 g
Total Sugars3 g
Calcium20 mg
Iron1 mg
Potassium200 mg

Chef’s Secret

Always finish cooking penne directly in your sauce for the last minute or two. The pasta will absorb the sauce's flavor and release starch, thickening and binding everything together.

Substitutions

Best Match

Ziti

1:1

Very similar tube shape, often slightly straighter cut. Excellent for baked dishes and thick sauces.

Rigatoni

1:1

Larger, wider tubes with ridges, also great for catching hearty sauces.

Macaroni

1:1

Smaller curved tubes, suitable for baked dishes or creamy sauces, but less substantial.

Orecchiette

1:1

Cup-shaped pasta, excellent for holding chunky sauces, but different texture.

Buying Guide

Look for pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Check for 'bronz die' extruded pasta for rougher texture to hold sauce.

Flavor Pairings

Marinara sauce pesto arrabbiata vodka sauce baked casseroles meat sauces vegetable sauces.

Recipes Using Penne

Kid Friendly Winter Toddler Friendly Oven

Amys Lasagna Style Casserole

Craving lasagna but short on time? This quick and easy casserole delivers big on flavor! Italian sausage and pepperoni bring a fun pizza twist to this classic comfort food. Use your favorite jarred sauce or elevate the dish with my Grandma Shannon's incredible spaghetti sauce recipe (included!). Ready in under an hour – perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Vegetables 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Oven

Asparagus And Penne Casserole

This dreamy Asparagus and Penne Casserole is a make-ahead masterpiece! Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh asparagus, this comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Presentation Equipment Italian Dietary

Attack Of The Killer Tomato Sauce With Penne

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This penne pasta recipe boasts an unbelievably delicious tomato sauce that will steal the show. Forget everything you thought you knew about simple pasta dishes – this one's a culinary adventure. Our killer tomato sauce is bursting with fresh (or canned) tomato flavor, enhanced by garlic, a touch of vodka, and creamy perfection. Easy to make, yet incredibly impressive, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Fall Preparation North American 30 Minutes Or Less

Autumn Pasta With Pumpkin And Sausage

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Pasta recipe! This 30-minute meal combines savory Italian sausage, sweet pumpkin puree, and aromatic herbs for a comforting and delicious pasta dish perfect for a chilly evening. The creamy sauce, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, is tossed with your favorite pasta for a truly unforgettable taste of autumn.

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60 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian One Dish Meal Italian

Baked Pasta E Fagioli

This comforting Baked Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a surprising source (a friend with questionable housekeeping skills!), this one-dish wonder is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Featuring a rich tomato sauce, hearty beans, and perfectly cooked pasta, it's a simple yet satisfying meal. Serve with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!

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Potluck Course To Go Dinner Party

Baked Pasta With Sausage And Tomato Pesto

This hearty Baked Pasta with Sausage and Tomato Pesto is a flavor explosion! Smoked Gouda (optional, but highly recommended!) adds a creamy, smoky depth, while spicy Italian sausage provides a delicious kick. This comforting casserole, adapted from "The Best American Recipes 2003-2004," is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Course Dinner Party Time To Make Holiday Event

Baked Penne And Cheese With Spinach

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with spinach! This Baked Penne and Spinach Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, elevated for company or a special weeknight dinner. A quick and easy recipe packed with flavor and nutrients, it's sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for cheesy, gooey goodness!

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Eggs Dairy Equipment Comfort Food Occasion

Baked Penne And Kielbasa

This hearty and cheesy Baked Penne and Kielbasa recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Featuring savory kielbasa sausage, creamy soup, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Inspired by Hillshire Farm, this recipe is elevated with simple additions for maximum flavor.

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Low Cholesterol Dietary Vegetarian Vegetables

Baked Penne With Corn Zucchini And Basil

This cheesy baked penne pasta is bursting with the flavors of summer! Sweet corn, tender zucchini, and juicy tomatoes mingle with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan in a vibrant tomato sauce, all baked to golden perfection. A Williams-Sonoma recipe (July 2009), updated for your kitchen.

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Course Meat Oven Dinner Party

Baked Penne With Ground Beef And Tomato Sauce

This irresistible Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce recipe will become a family favorite! We're taking pasta night to the next level with a rich, flavorful homemade tomato sauce (though your favorite bottled sauce works in a pinch!). The secret? Simmering the sauce for at least an hour to develop deep, complex flavors. Prepare it ahead – it tastes even better the next day! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner party. Get ready for cheesy, bubbly goodness!

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Pasta Main Dish Time To Make Pasta

Penne With Sausage Peas And Mascarpone

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Penne with Sausage, Peas, and Mascarpone! Inspired by a Bon Appetit classic (September 1995), this recipe features juicy Italian sausage, sweet peas, and rich mascarpone cheese in a delectable sauce. Easily adaptable, even if you don't have mascarpone – simply use cream cheese and whipping cream! This quick and satisfying pasta dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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