4 Penne Pasta Recipes That Deserve a Chef’s Kiss

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Are you looking for the best penne pasta recipes? Penne pasta is one of the most popular types of pasta enjoyed around the world. The word “penne” comes from the Italian word for “pen,” describing its tube shape with angled ends. This pasta is loved for its firm texture and the way it holds sauces beautifully.

One reason people love penne is that it can be cooked in many different ways. The penne pasta recipes can work with light sauces, creamy sauces, or even spicy ones. The tube shape makes it great for holding sauce inside, giving every bite a rich flavor. It pairs well with vegetables, meats, and herbs, making it a favorite in both traditional Italian and modern kitchens.

In this article, we will share four tasty penne pasta recipes that will satisfy your palate. From the simple penne pomodoro to the creamy penne carbonara, these recipes are perfect if you want to make a simple and quick pasta dish at home. We gathered these penne pasta recipes from various sources, Monday (15/9/2025).

Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for anyone who wants a simple but delicious penne pasta recipe without heavy cream or meat.

Ingredients:

- 250g penne pasta

- 3 medium ripe tomatoes (chopped)

- 2 cloves garlic (minced)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Fresh basil leaves

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 6–8 minutes, letting them soften and release their juices.

5. Season with salt and pepper, then gently mash the tomatoes with a spoon to create a light sauce.

6. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss well until each piece is coated with the sauce.

7. Tear fresh basil leaves by hand and sprinkle them over the pasta. Stir again to mix.

8. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Penne with pesto is a bright and refreshing dish. Pesto is a sauce made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. This penne pasta recipe is perfect when you want something fragrant and full of herbal flavors.

Ingredients:

- 250g penne pasta

- 2 cups fresh basil leaves

- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts)

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a blender or food processor, add basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.

3. Pulse the ingredients until they are roughly chopped, then slowly pour in the olive oil while blending until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or cheese.

5. Place the drained pasta in a large bowl and spoon the pesto over it.

6. Mix well until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or a few whole basil leaves.

Penne Carbonara is a creamy and comforting dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. It is rich, filling, and perfect for a cozy meal. This penne pasta recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite.

Ingredients:

- 250g penne pasta

- 100g pancetta or bacon (diced)

- 2 large eggs

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Black pepper to taste

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

2. While the pasta cooks, place a pan over medium heat and add the diced pancetta. Cook until it becomes golden and crispy, then remove the pan from the heat but keep the pancetta inside.

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper until smooth.

4. Add the hot, drained pasta to the pan with pancetta. Toss quickly to combine so the pasta absorbs the flavor of the meat.

5. Remove the pan completely from the heat. Slowly pour in the egg and cheese mixture while stirring constantly so the eggs turn into a creamy sauce rather than scrambling.

6. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach a silky consistency.

7. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper sprinkled on top.

Penne Arrabbiata is a spicy pasta dish made with tomatoes, garlic, and chili flakes. The name “arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, describing the heat of the dish. This penne pasta recipe is great for those who enjoy bold and fiery flavors.

Ingredients:

- 250g penne pasta

- 3 medium tomatoes (chopped)

- 3 cloves garlic (minced)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

- Fresh parsley

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden and aromatic.

3. Sprinkle in the chili flakes and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and form a thick sauce.

5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then add the drained pasta to the pan.

6. Toss the pasta well, ensuring the spicy tomato sauce coats every piece evenly.

7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.