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

Weeknight Cuisine Italian Penne

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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Italian Occasion Preparation Course

Asparagus Carbonara

This lush and lightning-fast Asparagus Carbonara recipe is a taste sensation! Perfectly tender asparagus and al dente pasta are tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce with crispy pancetta. A quick weeknight meal that's surprisingly elegant.

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Dietary Low In Something Easy Beginner Cook

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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Time To Make Vegetables 30 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Occasion Beginner Cook 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Asparagus Penne

A vibrant and flavorful 15-minute pasta dish! This Asparagus Penne recipe features tender penne pasta tossed with perfectly blistered cherry tomatoes, crisp-tender asparagus, and a hint of garlic. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious!

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Poultry Main Ingredient Penne Pasta

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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Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less Penne 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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Kid Friendly One Dish Meal Course Occasion

Bacon Macaroni And Cheese Cooking Light

Relive the 2009 Cooking Light sensation! This lighter take on classic Bacon Mac and Cheese is surprisingly decadent. Enjoy creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky bacon in just 30 minutes. Only 399 calories and 13.8g of fat per serving (1 cup). Get ready for a taste of comfort food, guilt-free!

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Cuisine Time To Make Preparation North American

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 Dietary Course Occasion

Baked Pasta With Asparagus Pasta Al Forno Con Asparagi

This vibrant Baked Pasta with Asparagus recipe is a delightful twist on a classic! Using fresh asparagus, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The simple yet elegant layers bake to golden perfection, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Serve with crusty bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet stunning recipe!

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Main Ingredient Oven Equipment 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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Course Comfort Food Midwestern Course

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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Meat Time To Make Inexpensive Main Ingredient

Baked Penne Bolognese Casserole

This incredibly affordable and flavorful Baked Penne Bolognese Casserole is ready in under an hour! A quick and easy weeknight meal perfect for busy families, this recipe from meals.com boasts rich, savory flavors thanks to a secret ingredient: wine! Enjoy it fresh from the oven or freeze leftovers for a future meal. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Equipment Pasta Rice And Grains Beef Preparation

Baked Penne With Meat Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food classic: Baked Penne with Meat Sauce! This hearty and flavorful recipe, adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens' Biggest Book of Italian Recipes, features tender penne pasta in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, topped with bubbly mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal.

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Easy Course Time To Make Penne

Basil Lovers Tomato Cream Penne

Indulge in this incredibly easy and flavorful Basil Lovers Tomato Cream Penne! Ready in just 20 minutes, this creamy pasta dish bursts with fresh basil and savory pancetta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Main Dish Easy 60 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Beautiful Baked Ziti

This cheesy, bubbly Baked Ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Featuring Johnsonville Italian sausage (or your favorite turkey or vegetarian alternative), this comforting casserole is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfectly baked ziti pasta is layered with rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, garlic, and melted mozzarella, creating a dish that's sure to become a family staple. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Dietary Dietary Main Dish Penne

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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Holiday Event Chicken Meat 60 Minutes Or Less

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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