Grain Product | Vegetarian Low Fat

Penne Pasta

Triticum aestivum Allergens: Wheat, Gluten
penne pasta

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Durum Wheat Semolina

The Forktionary Angle

"Master the art of perfect penne with our guide to this classic Italian pasta, ideal for capturing every drop of your favorite sauce."

Definition

A tube-shaped pasta, cut diagonally at both ends, with ridges (rigate) or smooth (lisce), ideal for capturing sauces due to its shape and surface.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral, Starchy, Slightly nutty
TextureFirm, Chewy, Smooth or Ridged
AromaMild, Wheat-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Al Dente Cooking Time

Typically 10-13 minutes

Primary Ingredient

Durum Wheat Semolina

Shelf Life (dried, unopened)

2-3 years

Nutrition Facts

Per 56g (1/2 cup dry)
Calories350 kcal
Total Fat1.5 g
Saturated Fat0.3 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein12 g
Total Carbohydrate72 g
Dietary Fiber3 g
Total Sugars2.5 g
Calcium15 mg
Iron1 mg
Potassium200 mg

Chef’s Secret

Always cook pasta al dente (firm to the bite) and reserve some pasta water to emulsify and thicken your sauce, helping it cling better to the noodles.

Substitutions

Best Match

Ziti

1:1

Similar tube shape, usually smooth, good for baked dishes.

Rigatoni

1:1

Wider tubes with deep ridges, excellent for catching thick sauces.

Macaroni (Elbows)

1:1

Smaller curved tubes, works well in baked dishes and creamy sauces.

Orecchiette

1:1

"Little ears" shape holds chunky sauces well, different texture.

Buying Guide

Choose pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture and flavor.

Flavor Pairings

Marinara sauce pesto creamy sauces baked casseroles vegetables meat.

Recipes Using Penne Pasta

Served Hot Greens Spinach Pasta

3 Cheese Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake

This 3 Cheese Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is a quick and easy recipe that's sure to please the whole family, even picky eaters! A delightful blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spinach, all baked to bubbly perfection. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both comforting and irresistible. Inspired by a local cooking show, this recipe is a family favorite!

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Course Taste Mood Course Cuisine

3 Pepper Pasta

This family-favorite 3 Pepper Pasta recipe is a delicious and versatile dish! Inspired by an old college roommate, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences – vegetarian or with savory Italian sausage. Enjoy tender peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic garlic tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A touch of red wine vinegar adds brightness, while parmesan cheese provides a delightful finishing touch. Get ready to savor this quick and flavorful weeknight meal!

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Number Of Servings Italian Number Of Servings Occasion

Arrabiata Penne

Spice up your weeknight with this fiery Arrabiata Penne! This delightfully simple pasta dish explodes with flavor, thanks to a vibrant tomato sauce infused with a generous kick of chili. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes it irresistible. Served with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, crusty bread, and a glass of your favorite red wine – it's a meal you'll savor every bite of.

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Course Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient Occasion

Asparagus Pasta Salad With A Creamy Lemon Dressing

Craving a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad? This Asparagus Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing is your answer! A delightful twist on a classic, this quick and easy recipe features tender asparagus tossed in a zesty, light lemon sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's the perfect light yet satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete and elegant meal.

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Main Ingredient Vegetables Main Dish Preparation

Asparagus Pasta With Toasted Pecans

This vibrant and flavorful Asparagus Pasta with Toasted Pecans is a delightful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Inspired by Southern Living, this recipe combines tender asparagus, nutty pecans, and creamy cheese for a taste sensation. Easily customizable with added protein like chicken or shrimp, this recipe is as delicious as it is simple to make. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible combination of textures and flavors!

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Pasta Main Ingredient Pasta Rice And Grains Penne

Asparagus Chicken And Penne Pasta Albertsons Com

This 35-minute recipe delivers a delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love! Impress your taste buds with this restaurant-quality pasta dish.

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Greek European Cheese Easy

Avocado And Feta Pasta Salad

This vibrant Avocado & Feta Pasta Salad is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight meal! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines creamy avocado, salty feta, and fresh greens for a delicious and satisfying dish. Perfect for a light lunch or a simple dinner.

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Awesome Penne Spinach Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible! This Awesome Penne Spinach Bake combines tender penne pasta and fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce, then bakes to golden perfection under a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese topping. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful dish the whole family will adore. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat!

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Pork Pasta Rice And Grains Easy Pasta

Bacon And Tomato Pasta

This incredibly easy 15-minute pasta recipe is bursting with flavor! Creamy chive and onion cream cheese elevates simple bacon and tomatoes into a gourmet meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

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North American Main Dish Time To Make Course

Baked Four Cheese Pasta With Tomatoes And Basil

Indulge in this irresistible Baked Four Cheese Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil! A creamy, cheesy masterpiece, perfect as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course alongside a fresh salad. This recipe, inspired by Cook's Illustrated, delivers a restaurant-quality experience in under 40 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Main Dish Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Course

Baked Pasta With Spinach

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy Baked Pasta with Spinach! A comforting classic, perfectly balanced with spinach and a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a delicious, satisfying meal the whole family will love. Skip the diet today!

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Pasta One Dish Meal Equipment Oven

Baked Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes And Ricotta Cheese

Escape the stress of your day with this comforting and healthy baked pasta dish! Made with whole wheat penne, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy ricotta cheese, this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers big on flavor. It's the perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and wholesome. Get ready for a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite!

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Main Ingredient Broccoli Vegetables Preparation

Baked Penne With Broccoli And Three Cheeses

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This Baked Penne with Broccoli and Three Cheeses recipe (inspired by Bon Appetit, January 2003) is a quick weeknight meal the whole family will love. Enjoy perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender broccoli florets, and a delightful blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a comforting and satisfying dish that's easy to make!

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Oven One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Penne

Baked Penne With Italian Sausage

A comforting and flavorful baked penne pasta dish bursting with savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic Italian-American comfort food!

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Casseroles Pasta Kid Friendly Meat

Baked Sausage Penne

Craving a comforting yet unique baked pasta dish? This Baked Sausage Penne recipe elevates the classic with homemade marinara and pesto (jarred versions work perfectly too!). Swap in chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter twist. Designed for two with delicious leftovers, this weeknight-friendly recipe comes together quickly. Serve alongside a fresh green salad, crusty garlic bread, and your favorite red wine for a truly satisfying meal.

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Main Ingredient Oven Pasta Rice And Grains Dietary

Beef Penne Pasta Casserole

This hearty and comforting Beef Penne Pasta Casserole is a guaranteed family favorite! Tender beef, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.

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Main Dish Main Ingredient Poultry Time To Make

Best Chicken Francaise

Craving restaurant-quality Chicken Francaise at home? This recipe delivers! A family favorite, our version features a rich, lemony sauce you'll want to savor with every bite. We use Perdue's thin-sliced chicken for perfectly tender results, served over penne pasta for a complete and satisfying meal. Easily doubled or tripled for extra sauce—because who can resist?

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Low Protein Healthy Dietary Penne

Penne Pasta With Grilled Chicken And Roasted Tomatoes

This vibrant Penne Pasta recipe is a family favorite! Juicy grilled chicken and sweet roasted tomatoes combine with perfectly cooked pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal. Easily adaptable for vegetarians, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your family with this simple yet flavorful dish!

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