What Sauces Go With Penne Pasta? Expert Guide!
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to jazz up your pasta game.
Well, look no further because today we’re talking about the saucy side of penne!
From classic marinara to rich and creamy alfredo, we’ll explore the world of pasta sauces and help you find the perfect match for your penne.
So grab a fork and get ready to twirl your way into pasta heaven!
What Sauces Go With Penne Pasta?
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Some of the best sauces to serve with penne include marinara, vodka sauce, Alfredo, bolognese, and pesto.
Other tasty choices include arrabbiata, puttanesca, seafood, clam, and carbonara.
Read on to find out more about preparing these sauces at home, as well as extra kitchen hacks and inspiration for turning your meal into one to remember…
Classic Penne Pasta Sauces
In this section, we’ll explore some classic sauce pairings for penne pasta, categorised into four main types: Tomato-Based Sauces, Cream-Based Sauces, Meat-Based Sauces, and Herb-Based Sauces.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato-based sauces are a classic pairing for penne pasta.
The cylindrical shape of penne is perfect for capturing and holding onto these rich, flavourful sauces.
One popular option is a classic marinara sauce, which is made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. This simple sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Another option is vodka sauce, a creamy tomato-based sauce with a hint of heat. This rich and delicious sauce pairs beautifully with penne, as its smooth texture coats each piece of pasta evenly.
Cream-Based Sauces
Penne pasta loves cream-based sauces, as they cling to the pasta’s ridges and fill its hollow centre.
One such sauce is Alfredo, which is created with butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, resulting in a silky and luxurious sauce.
Penne Alfredo can be enhanced with ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, or broccoli for added flavour and texture.
(If you love the sounds of this option, you’ll also enjoy side dishes for shrimp Alfredo pasta!)
Another delicious option is penne with creamy pasta sauce, which combines milk, heavy cream, butter, flour, garlic, and parmesan cheese for a rich and indulgent dish.
This versatile sauce can be further customised with your favourite ingredients such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Meat-Based Sauces
Meaty sauces and penne pasta make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Bolognese sauce, a slow-cooked mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, is a perfect match for penne.
The pasta’s shape allows it to hold onto the chunky sauce, providing a burst of flavour in each bite.
Another option is penne with Italian sausage and tomato sauce. The spiciness of the sausage adds depth to the tomato sauce, while the ridges of the penne capture the flavours of the sauce and sausage perfectly.
Herb-Based Sauces
The open ends of penne pasta make them a great vessel for herb-based sauces with a variety of textures.
Pesto sauce, made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, is one such sauce that pairs wonderfully with penne.
The fresh, bright flavours of pesto enhance the pasta, creating a delightful and aromatic dish.
Speciality Sauces
In this section, we will explore some speciality sauces that go well with penne pasta.
We’ll focus on three types of sauces: Spicy and Tangy Sauces, Seafood-Based Sauces, and Unique Combinations to make your penne pasta dishes truly exceptional.
Spicy and Tangy Sauces
Arrabbiata Sauce: This classic Italian tomato-based sauce is perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
The combination of chilli peppers, garlic, and tomatoes creates a spicy and tangy sauce that clings to every ridge of your penne pasta.
The vibrant flavours and bold heat of an arrabbiata sauce make it an excellent choice for any pasta dish.
Puttanesca Sauce: Originating from Naples, Puttanesca is a robust mix of tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic.
This flavoursome sauce has a unique salty and tangy profile that pairs exceptionally well with penne pasta.
The briny olives and capers add a depth of flavour that will make your penne dish sing.
Seafood-Based Sauces
Seafood Sauce: A delicious seafood sauce can quickly elevate your penne pasta to new heights.
Start by creating a base sauce with tomatoes, white wine, garlic, and olive oil. Then, add a mix of your favourite seafood, such as prawns, mussels, and squid.
The subtle flavours of the seafood will marry beautifully with the sauce, creating a luxurious and refined pasta dish.
Clam Sauce: A combination that seafood lovers will thoroughly enjoy is penne pasta with a clam sauce.
This dish is easy to prepare and boasts bold flavours while remaining quite delicate.
Fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a hint of chilli create an incredible sauce that works perfectly with penne pasta.
Unique Combinations
Spaghetti Carbonara: Although traditionally made with spaghetti, you can create a fantastic fusion dish by pairing penne pasta with classic carbonara sauce.
This creamy mix of eggs, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety texture that works surprisingly well with penne.
The result is a rich and satisfying dish that feels both familiar and new.
By trying out these specialty sauce recommendations for your penne pasta, you’ll be able to create some incredible dishes that will impress your friends and family.
Exploring Regional Italian Sauces
Italian cuisine is renowned for its delicious variety of pasta dishes, and each region boasts its unique sauce combinations.
In this section, we’ll dive into some regional Italian sauces that go particularly well with penne pasta, focusing on Northern Italian Influences and Southern Italian Varieties.
Northern Italian Influences
In the north of Italy, you’ll find an abundance of rich, creamy sauces that pair beautifully with penne pasta.
One such example is the classic pesto, which originates from Genoa in the Liguria region.
Made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil, pesto offers a vibrant, herbaceous flavour that complements the tubular shape of penne, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta’s surface.
To prepare your own delicious penne with pesto, start by cooking your pasta al dente and tossing it in a generous amount of homemade or store-bought pesto.
Moving towards Emilia-Romagna, you’ll encounter the much-loved Bolognese sauce (also known as ragù).
This hearty meat-based sauce traditionally combines minced beef, pork, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine, simmered to perfection. The robust ragù clings well to penne pasta, creating a satisfying and flavourful meal.
To create your own Bolognese-inspired penne dish, cook the pasta until al dente, and toss with a homemade or quality store-bought sauce.
(If you love pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy what to serve with amatriciana!)
Southern Italian Varieties
Heading south, we find a more tomato-centric approach to pasta sauces.
Salsa di Pomodoro, or tomato sauce, is a staple in Southern Italian cuisine.
This simple yet versatile sauce is made from ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh basil, and pairs wonderfully with penne pasta.
The smooth, slightly tangy sauce will coat the pasta and deliver a burst of fresh flavour in every bite.
Continuing with an exploration of Southern Italian sauces, we encounter the world of creamy and stuffed pastas.
A popular variation is the creamy tomato sauce, inspired by Naples, which takes a traditional tomato sauce and adds a touch of velvety cream or mascarpone to bring a richness to the dish. Penne pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce is a delightful combination of freshness and indulgence.
As you explore Italy’s vast culinary landscape, you’ll discover a wealth of delicious sauces that marry perfectly with penne pasta.
From the robust flavours of northern Italy’s pesto and ragù to the more delicate offerings found in the southern regions, your taste buds will thank you for taking the time to learn more about these delicious regional specialties.
So why not start experimenting with these sauces in your own kitchen and transport yourself on a culinary journey around Italy?
Adding Extra Flavour and Texture
To elevate the taste of your penne pasta dish, there are several ingredients and techniques you can use. Garlic is often the first choice to add deep, aromatic flavour to the sauce.
A simple way to start is by sautéing garlic in a pan with olive oil before adding other ingredients.
For more earthy flavours, try incorporating vegetables and herbs in your penne pasta dish.
Mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers can add a hearty touch, while basil, oregano and rosemary provide a fragrant aroma.
Experiment with fresh herbs, as they can contribute an even brighter taste to your dish.
For an extra kick of flavour, add a bit of heat using crushed red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper. Pancetta, Italian bacon, can also be a tempting addition for its smoky and slightly spicy flavour.
To make the most out of your sauce, remember not to overcook your penne.
Al dente pasta ensures that it retains its structure and will hold the sauce better. Finish your dish by tossing the cooked pasta in a pan with the sauce to meld the flavours together.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of butter just before serving. The extra fat enhances the flavours and gives your penne pasta a luxurious finish.
Incorporating these ingredients and techniques will help you create a penne pasta dish that is both visually appealing and packed with flavour.
Enjoy the creative process and, most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!
Key Takeaways
- Penne pasta’s unique shape makes it versatile for pairing with various sauces
- Classic sauces like marinara, Alfredo, and pesto work well with penne
- Be adventurous and try out regional Italian sauces or create your own combinations!
