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

Comfort Food Pasta Course Eggs Dairy

21St Century Macaroni And Cheese

Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with this gourmet recipe from the Splendid Table! This creamy, cheesy masterpiece serves four (easily doubles for a crowd) and features a crunchy cracker topping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for unbelievably delicious mac and cheese!

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Occasion Seafood Stove Top Shellfish

Alfredo Perfecto

Say goodbye to heavy cream! This Alfredo Perfecto recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and unbelievably delicious alfredo sauce without the cream. Made with shrimp and broccoli, this dish is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. The flavorful sauce comes together while your pasta cooks, making it a weeknight winner. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a satisfying family meal! Prepare to be amazed by this light yet decadent pasta creation.

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Main Ingredient Pasta Rice And Grains Low Calorie Low Cholesterol

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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Side Dishes Course Main Ingredient Asparagus

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 Pasta European Tomatoes

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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Equipment Pasta Time To Make Vegetables

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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Easy Main Dish Dietary One Dish Meal

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Craveable comfort food, ready in 20 minutes! This Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta recipe transforms your favorite burger flavors into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Crispy bacon, juicy beef, and melty cheese create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Comfort Food American

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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Pasta Meat Main Dish Pasta

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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Preparation Course Penne Vegetables

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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Pasta Pork Sausage Course Oven

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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Novelty Pasta Equipment Cuisine

Baked Penne With Roasted Vegetables Courtesy Giada De La

A crowd-pleasing vegetarian bake inspired by Giada De Laurentiis! This recipe, adapted from her Everyday Italian show, features perfectly roasted vegetables tossed with al dente penne, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. A family favorite, even picky eaters will love this hearty and flavorful dish. (Note: This version includes garlic, unlike Giada's original garlic-free recipe for her mother.)

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Penne Oven 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary

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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Occasion European Preparation Occasion

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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Time To Make Side Dishes Vegetarian Weeknight

Batali's Simple Penne All Arrabbiata

A quick and fiery pasta dish, perfect for a late-night craving! This recipe, from Mario Batali's cookbook "Molto Gusto," is a simple yet flavorful delight. Enjoy this easy, 35-minute weeknight meal inspired by the October 20, 2013 New York Times Magazine.

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Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Taste Mood

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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Course 60 Minutes Or Less Course Beef

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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Poultry Taste Mood Time To Make Course

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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