Are you ready to elevate your pasta game to a whole new level of deliciousness? Forget about the usual pasta dishes you know because today, I’m going to share a recipe that will change the way you enjoy pasta forever. This creamy penne recipe is not just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary revolution in your kitchen that promises to deliver an explosion of flavors with every bite. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this pasta will leave you and your guests craving more. Let’s dive into this ultimate creamy penne recipe that you’ll want to make a staple in your meal rotation.
Creamy Penne Pasta Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For Pasta:
- Water (as needed for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cups penne pasta
For Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 1 dash olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 150 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and oil to the water to keep the pasta from sticking.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Be sure to save a cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Heat a dash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, sugar, and chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Pour in the water and milk, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. The mixture should start to thicken slightly.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and butter, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing well to ensure each piece of penne is beautifully coated.
- Cook together for a few minutes on low heat to let the pasta absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chili flakes and a sprinkle of oregano or fresh herbs if desired.
Why This Creamy Penne Pasta Recipe Works
This creamy penne recipe incorporates simple ingredients that blend together to create a rich, comforting dish. The combination of creamy texture with a hint of spice from the chili flakes and the depth of flavor from the tomato paste and herbs makes it a perfect dish for those who appreciate the fine balance of flavors.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Salt Your Water: Salting the pasta water is crucial as it seasons the pasta from the inside, enhancing its overall flavor.
- Save Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water. The starchy water not only helps adjust the sauce’s consistency but also helps it cling to the pasta better.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook your pasta when boiling. It should still have a bit of a bite, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this creamy penne is not just about indulging your taste buds but also provides a good amount of protein from the cheese and essential nutrients from the olive oil and tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
This creamy penne recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that you’ll want to relive again and again. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
Enjoy your culinary journey with this game-changing pasta recipe. Buon appetito!
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Ultimate Creamy Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Transform Your Pasta Nights: The Ultimate Creamy Penne Recipe You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
For Pasta:
- Water (as needed for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cups penne pasta
For Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 1 dash olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 150 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and oil to the water to keep the pasta from sticking.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Be sure to save a cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Heat a dash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, sugar, and chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Pour in the water and milk, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. The mixture should start to thicken slightly.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and butter, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing well to ensure each piece of penne is beautifully coated.
- Cook together for a few minutes on low heat to let the pasta absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chili flakes and a sprinkle of oregano or fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
