When we are talking of penne pasta, it is one of the most well-known Italian pasta shapes and is appreciated in Italy and other parts of the world. The name is translated into what is known as pen and that name is derived from its shape, a short cylinder-shaped pasta that has angled edges.

Penne’s large diameter and ridges make it ideal for retaining sauces on its entire surface. Penne pairs well with chunky meat or vegetable-based sauces because its ridges can easily capture the sauce. You can also try penne with a dairy-based sauce or regular tomato sauce.

It typically refers to small to medium-sized pasta shapes. Elbow pasta and penne both fall into the macaroni grouping of pasta. However, pasta is a ridged, straight, tube-shaped pasta, whereas elbow pasta is a smooth, curved, tube-shaped pasta.

Better Pasta Secrets

• Always check the package’s cooking time

• Complete your pasta in its sauce.

• Ensure your cooking water is salty

• Do not rinse.

• Reserve a little pasta water.

How Healthy is Penne Pasta?

Well, to be candid here with you, it is often enriched with vital nutrients such as folate, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients can, however, help in improving your general diet quality.

Notwithstanding, penne pasta can also be a good source of energy due to the high level of carbohydrate content in it, which makes it a great option for active individuals.

Basic Ingredients in Penne Pasta

Ground Beef

It is good to use lean ground beef so that you will not have a lot of grease or fat.

Marinara Sauce

Ensure you use a marinara sauce that you like. Never use straight tomato sauce, this is because the flavor may be lacking. You can prefer to use a marinara sauce that has lots of Italian spices in it.

Onion

A clove of minced garlic would be tasty, this will also add flavor to the taste.

Parsley

Not required, but I always love having something fresh and green added at the end.

Penne Pasta

It works best for this recipe for the fact that its shape holds the sauce well.

Provolone, Mozzarella, and Parmesan:

This is cheesy, and may also be that is why some children like it so much. And you will like to use sliced Provolone.

Sour Cream

This will make the dish creamy, but you will lose the creamy aspect, and that is one of the things you will like most about this penne recipe.

Simple Step to Cook Penne Pasta

Add the penne pasta and stir to prevent sticking.

Add the salt and stir to dissolve.

Bring the water to a rolling boil in a large pot.

Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally

Drain the pasta immediately in a colander.

Serve immediately with your favorite sauce.

What is Penne Best for?

Penne is also a great noodle to use in place of rigatoni, ziti, or other pasta recipes that have a cylindrical shape. Looking for some Italian dinner inspiration.

Try using penne pasta for a classic primavera, pasta with zucchini pesto, or one of Ree’s favorites penne alla Besty, named after her sister.

Reason You Should Like Penne Pasta

This cheesy beef and pasta casserole is no doubt to be a hit with the kiddos. It’s also simply adaptable based on what you have got in the pantry. You could throw in some extra veggies if you want. It’s very tasty how few ingredients are in this budget-friendly meal.

On the whole, you just boil up some penne, and while that’s cooking, you make a quick tomato and meat sauce. You then toss it together in a casserole dish, top it with cheese, and bake. It couldn’t be easier.

Bottom Line

Everyone should need several good penne pasta recipes in their banquet recipe rotation. Italian cooking combines to make one fantastic baked ground beef casserole recipe.

This easy penne pasta casserole is a quick and hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy.