What Sauce Goes Best with Penne
Penne pasta is a beloved staple in kitchens around the world. Its unique shape and texture make it ideal for capturing the richness and flavors of a variety of sauces. But with so many sauce options available, you might find yourself wondering: What sauce goes best with penne? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best sauce pairings for penne pasta, discuss their origins, and provide you with tips on how to make these sauces at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this guide, along with these creative pasta recipes , will help you elevate your penne pasta dishes to new heights.
Introduction to Penne Pasta and Sauce Pairings
The Versatility of Penne Pasta
Penne, meaning “quills” or “pens” in Italian, is a short, tubular pasta that comes in two main varieties: penne rigate and penne lisce. Penne rigate, with its ridged surface, is perfect for holding onto thick, hearty sauces, while penne lisce, which is smooth, works well with lighter, more delicate sauces. This versatility makes penne a favorite choice for many pasta lovers.
When it comes to sauce pairings, penne’s adaptability allows it to complement a wide range of flavors and textures. From rich, creamy sauces to light, fresh ones, penne pasta can be paired with just about anything. In the sections below, we’ll explore some of the best sauces that pair beautifully with penne and how to make these sauces at home.
Classic Sauces for Penne Pasta
Marinara Sauce
One of the most classic pairings for penne pasta is marinara sauce. This simple, yet flavorful sauce is made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. The acidity of the tomatoes combined with the aromatic garlic and herbs creates a well-balanced sauce that clings perfectly to penne rigate.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Preparation:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the cooked penne with the marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
This sauce is perfect for a quick and easy dinner and pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or garlic bread.
Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is another popular option that pairs exceptionally well with penne pasta, much like how a specific sauce complements Arby’s Buffalo Slider.
This rich, creamy sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The creaminess of Alfredo sauce complements the texture of penne, making each bite a comforting and indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked penne with the Alfredo sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy rich and decadent dishes. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
Pesto Sauce
Pesto sauce is a vibrant and aromatic option that pairs beautifully with penne pasta, particularly penne lisce. Made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto sauce offers a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a food processor, combine the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked penne with the pesto sauce and serve immediately.
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be enjoyed year-round. Pair it with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Hearty Sauces for Penne Pasta
Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù, is a meat-based sauce that originates from Bologna, Italy. This rich and hearty sauce is made with ground meat, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a splash of red wine.The robust flavors of Bolognese sauce make it an excellent pairing for penne rigate, as the ridges help capture the meaty sauce, similar to how the carbs in Arby’s Buffalo Chicken Slider complement its flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Pour in the red wine and cook until it has reduced by half.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Toss the cooked penne with the Bolognese sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Bolognese is a hearty sauce that is perfect for a comforting dinner. Serve it with a glass of red wine and a side of crusty bread for a complete Italian meal.
Arrabbiata Sauce
Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy tomato sauce that hails from Rome, Italy. The name “arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the heat of the chili peppers used in the sauce. This sauce is a great match for penne rigate, as the ridges help hold onto the fiery sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the cooked penne with the arrabbiata sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. Pair it with a simple green salad or consider sides for Buffalo Chicken Sliders to balance the spiciness.
Light and Fresh Sauces for Penne Pasta
Aglio e Olio
Aglio e Olio, which translates to “garlic and oil,” is a simple yet flavorful sauce that originates from Naples, Italy. This sauce is made with just a few ingredients: garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. It’s a light and fresh option that pairs well with penne lisce.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
- Toss the cooked penne with the garlic and oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Aglio e Olio is perfect for a quick and light dinner. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a tomato salad for a refreshing meal.
Lemon Butter Sauce
Lemon butter sauce is a zesty and creamy option that pairs beautifully with penne pasta. The bright flavor of lemon combined with the richness of butter creates a well-balanced sauce that complements the texture of penne.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon juice and zest, and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked penne with the lemon butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
This sauce is ideal for a light and flavorful meal. Pair it with grilled fish or chicken for a complete dish.
Creamy Sauces for Penne Pasta
Tomato Cream Sauce
Tomato cream sauce, also known as pink sauce, is a luxurious blend of marinara and heavy cream. This sauce is rich and velvety, making it an excellent pairing for penne rigate. The ridges in the pasta hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Preparation:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss the cooked penne with the tomato cream sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
This sauce is perfect for a special dinner and pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine.
Carbonara Sauce
Carbonara sauce is a rich and creamy sauce made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta (or a substitute like turkey bacon), and black pepper. The creaminess of the sauce combined with the savory pancetta makes it a perfect match for penne pasta, especially penne rigate.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces pancetta or turkey bacon, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- In a skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss the cooked penne with the pancetta and garlic, then quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, creating a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a rich and satisfying dinner. Pair it with a Caesar salad for a traditional Italian meal.
Creative Sauces for Penne Pasta
Vodka Sauce
Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of vodka, which adds a subtle depth of flavor. The vodka helps to enhance the tomato’s natural sweetness, making this sauce a delicious pairing for penne rigate.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Preparation:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the vodka and cook until it has reduced by half.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked penne with the vodka sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
This sauce is perfect for a date night or special occasion and pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine.
Gorgonzola Sauce
Gorgonzola sauce is a bold and creamy sauce made with Gorgonzola cheese, cream, and walnuts. The strong flavor of Gorgonzola paired with the crunchy walnuts creates a unique sauce that pairs well with penne lisce.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Gorgonzola cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked penne with the Gorgonzola sauce and sprinkle with toasted walnuts. Season with salt and pepper.
Gorgonzola sauce is perfect for those who enjoy strong and bold flavors. Pair it with a simple arugula salad or consider what you eat with ciabatta to balance the richness of the sauce.
Tips for Pairing Sauces with Penne Pasta
Consider the Pasta Shape
When pairing sauces with penne pasta, it’s important to consider the shape and texture of the pasta. Penne rigate, with its ridged surface, is ideal for thick and hearty sauces like Bolognese or Alfredo. The ridges help the sauce cling to the pasta, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor. Penne lisce, on the other hand, is smooth and works well with lighter, more delicate sauces like pesto or Aglio e Olio.
Balance Flavors and Textures
A great sauce pairing is all about balancing flavors and textures. For example, if you’re making a rich and creamy sauce, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs to brighten the dish. Similarly, if you’re making a light and fresh sauce, adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil can add richness and depth.
Use Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will have a big impact on the final dish. Fresh, high-quality tomatoes, herbs, and cheeses will elevate your sauces and make them taste their best. When possible, choose ingredients that are in season for the freshest flavors.
Conclusion
Finding the best sauce to pair with penne pasta can elevate your meal from simple to extraordinary. Whether you prefer rich, creamy sauces like Alfredo and Carbonara, or light, fresh sauces like pesto and Aglio e Olio, there’s a perfect sauce out there for everyone. By considering the various types of pasta, balancing flavors and textures, and using quality ingredients, you can create delicious penne pasta dishes that are sure to impress.