10+ Penne Pasta Recipes to Try for Quick and Delicious Meals

Penne pasta’s a classic—so easy to love and seriously versatile. The tube shape grabs onto sauces, making every bite pretty satisfying.

Whether you’re after something quick or trying to impress, penne’s a solid standby for any kitchen.

You can whip up penne pasta recipes fast, and it’s fun to swap in whatever ingredients you like. Penne’s perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends when you just want a good meal without a fuss.

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Ingredients

• Penne pasta
• Butter or olive oil
• Garlic
• Tomato sauce or cream
• Ground meat or vegetables
• Seasonings like basil, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a big pot of salted water.
2. Cook penne until it’s al dente—usually around 10-12 minutes.
3. Drain and set aside.
4. Heat butter or olive oil in a pan over medium.
5. Add garlic and cook for a minute, just until fragrant.
6. Stir in your sauce and choice of meat or veggies. Warm it through.
7. Toss the penne with the sauce.
8. Serve it up while it’s warm.

1) Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with Butter and Flour Sauce

Start by melting butter in a pan, then add minced garlic. Cook it gently for about a minute—don’t let it brown.

Sprinkle in flour and stir for another minute. This thickens things up.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking the whole time so you get a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer until it thickens a bit.

Add your cooked penne and stir until every piece is coated. That’s it—simple and comforting.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a medium pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, cook for a minute.
3. Stir in flour and keep stirring for another minute.
4. Pour in milk gradually, whisking out any lumps.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
6. Cook penne pasta as the package says.
7. Toss pasta with the creamy sauce and serve warm.

Get more details from this creamy garlic penne pasta recipe.

2) Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce, Ground Beef and Italian Herbs

For a hearty dinner, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Add ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Pour in tomato sauce and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer while you cook your penne.

Toss the pasta with the meat sauce. That’s dinner sorted.

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 to 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (smooth, not chunky)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a big pan over medium.
3. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Toss the pasta in the sauce.
8. Serve warm and dig in.

See more at this penne pasta with meat sauce recipe.

3) Garlic Olive Oil Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Cook your penne until just right. While it’s boiling, heat olive oil in a skillet.

Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick.

When the pasta’s done, toss it in the skillet. Let everything mingle for a minute or two.

Top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of cheese if you want. Easy, right?

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta until al dente.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, cook 2 more minutes.
5. Drain pasta, add to skillet.
6. Toss together and cook for another minute or two.
7. Garnish if you like.

4) Penne with Italian Sausage, Sundried Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts

Cook penne pasta and set it aside. Brown crumbled Italian sausage in a skillet.

Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then sauté for a couple of minutes. Toast pine nuts in a bit of olive oil and stir them in.

Toss everything together with the penne. The combo of sausage, sweet tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts just works.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 to 1 ½ pounds Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 4 ounces pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta, drain, set aside.
2. Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it up.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté 2 minutes.
4. Stir in toasted pine nuts and olive oil.
5. Add penne, toss well.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

5) Gluten Free Whole Grain Brown Rice Penne Pasta

If you’re gluten free, whole grain brown rice penne is a solid pick. It’s got a nice bite and holds onto sauces well.

You can find it made in gluten-free facilities, which is reassuring if you’re sensitive. This pasta pairs well with tomato sauce, creamy pesto, or just a drizzle of olive oil.

It’s a good option for anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance. You get to enjoy penne pasta dishes, no worries.

Ingredients

• 8 oz gluten free whole grain brown rice penne pasta
• 2 cups tomato sauce or your favorite sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add brown rice penne and cook for 9-11 minutes.
3. Drain pasta, set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
5. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
6. Stir in tomato sauce, heat it through.
7. Toss pasta with sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

Find more gluten free pasta recipes here.

6) Caprese Penne Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

Caprese Penne Pasta is light, fresh, and comes together quickly. You mix juicy cherry tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and lots of basil.

Toss cooked penne with olive oil, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Add torn basil leaves and maybe a splash of balsamic for a sweet finish.

It’s great warm or at room temp—perfect for summer. Add garlic or black pepper if you’re in the mood.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta, drain, let cool a bit.
2. In a big bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
4. Toss in the pasta and mix well.
5. Serve warm or at room temp.

7) Penne Pasta with Pistachio Sauce

Pistachio sauce on penne? It’s a little different, but so good. The sauce is creamy, nutty, with a hint of lemon and garlic.

Blend pistachios, basil, lemon juice, garlic, and cheese. Drizzle in olive oil until it’s creamy.

Toss the sauce with the pasta and top with toasted pistachios for crunch. You can skip the cheese or use a vegan version if you want.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup dairy-free parmesan or regular parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: toasted pistachios for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water for 10-12 minutes.
2. Drain pasta, set aside.
3. In a food processor, blend pistachios, garlic, basil, lemon juice, and cheese.
4. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss pasta with the pistachio sauce.
7. Serve right away and top with toasted pistachios if you like.

8) Bruschetta Chicken Penne with Tomatoes and Basil

This one’s a favorite when you want something easy and fresh but not boring. Juicy grilled chicken, sweet tomatoes, and lots of basil come together in a way that just works.

Penne pasta grabs onto all the flavors, so every bite feels hearty. You’ll toss the pasta with cherry tomatoes, garlic, red onion, and more basil.

Marinate the chicken with herbs and olive oil for a real punch of flavor. Grill it up, then slice and add on top.

It’s a great weeknight dinner, especially since it comes together so fast. I’ve even eaten leftovers cold—and honestly, it’s still delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Whisk olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 2 hours.
4. Grill chicken at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through, then slice.
5. Toss tomatoes, red onion, and basil with cooked pasta.
6. Add sliced chicken on top and mix gently before serving.

If you want more ideas or twists, check out bruschetta chicken pasta with penne and tomatoes from Reffors.

9) Jerk Chicken Penne Pasta with Spices and Veggies

Here’s a penne pasta that actually brings some heat. Spicy jerk chicken gets tossed with bright, crunchy bell peppers, and the whole thing ends up in a creamy sauce.

You can use chicken breasts or thighs—whatever you’ve got. The jerk seasoning gives the chicken a bold, Caribbean kick.

Sauté the peppers just until they’re tender but still vibrant. That way, they keep some bite.

The creamy sauce cools things down a bit, balancing the spice. If you want extra flavor, toss in tomatoes or mushrooms.

It’s a quick meal, and honestly, it’s a fun twist on penne pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut into strips
• 1 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss chicken with jerk seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Sauté bell peppers in the same pan for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add cream and stir to create sauce.
7. Return chicken to the pan, mix well.
8. Combine with cooked penne pasta.
9. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

10) Creamy Tomato Penne Pasta with Rich Sauce

If you’re craving comfort food, this creamy tomato penne really hits the spot. The sauce is silky and clings to every piece of pasta in the best way.

Tomatoes and cream come together for a rich, mellow flavor. You don’t need much else, but I like to add rosemary, chopped onion, and a pinch of red chili for some warmth.

You can cook it all in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. Pair it with a green salad or maybe some garlic bread if you’re feeling extra.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 tsp crushed red chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the penne pasta following the directions on the package. Drain it, then set it aside for now.

2. Pour some olive oil into a pan and heat it over medium. Toss in the onion and garlic, and cook them until they’re soft and fragrant.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, rosemary, and a pinch of chili flakes. Let everything simmer together for about 8 to 10 minutes.

4. Turn the heat down low. Pour in the cream, stirring gently so the sauce gets nice and smooth.

5. Drop the cooked penne into the sauce and toss it all together to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve it hot, and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.