31 Perfect Penne Pasta Recipes

Penne alla Vodka

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, butter, garlic, prosciutto, canned plum tomatoes, vodka, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese
Level: 30 minutes

There is perhaps no more iconic penne dish in the world than penne alla vodka, a creamy Italian-American wonder with a luscious pink sauce. Crispy bits of prosciutto add an indulgent meatiness to the pasta, and a hit of red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of heat.

“This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it.” —Recipe contributor Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas

Pasta and Veggies in Garlic Sauce

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, garlic, chickpeas, tomatoes, baby spinach, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

This colorful penne dish goes well with any saucy protein like shrimp scampi or creamy garlic chicken breasts. In the event you have leftovers, they are delicious served cold the next day; mix in a dollop of pesto, chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes for the perfect pasta salad.

“Big garlic flavor and a little heat from red pepper flakes help perk up this fresh-tasting pasta dish. It’s wonderful with chicken and beef entrees.” —Recipe contributor Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina

Penne with Pesto

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, pesto, heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

Once you master traditional basil pesto, you can experiment with all the tasty variations that follow similar proportions, like spinach pesto, arugula pesto and parsley pesto. There are also really excellent store-bought pesto sauces at the supermarket for nights you don’t have time to get out the food processor.

“Make this simple pasta dish with your favorite store-bought pesto or your own homemade pesto. Halved grape tomatoes add color and flavor, but they could be omitted or substituted with chopped roasted red peppers or chopped artichokes.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Cajun Chicken & Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, Cajun seasoning, penne, butter, red pepper, green pepper, heavy cream, tomatoes
Level: Beginner

There are so many fantastic Cajun seasonings on the market, all of which have some combination of peppers (black and cayenne), garlic and paprika. You can even make your own Cajun seasoning that exactly suits your tastes.

“This kicked-up pasta dish is a family favorite and my most-requested recipe. It’s easy to adapt too. Substitute shrimp for the chicken, add your favorite veggies and adjust the spice level to your family’s taste—you can’t go wrong!” —Recipe contributor Dolly Kragel, Sloan, Iowa

Hearty Penne Beef

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, ground beef, garlic, tomato puree, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mozzarella
Level: Beginner

We don’t know what we’d do without easy ground beef recipes to whip up on busy weeknights, and this robust penne dish is so simple and satisfying. Ground chicken or turkey work here too, just don’t skimp on the cheese!

“This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it’s tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Caprese Pasta Salad

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lemon, shallot, garlic
Level: Beginner

Pretty much the only thing that could make fresh, fragrant Caprese salad even better is pasta, which turns the tomato and mozzarella dish into a full meal. For the best, juiciest flavor, use colorful heirloom tomatoes and bright green basil leaves. Finish the salad with a squeeze of lemon for an extra hit of brightness.

“This easy Caprese pasta salad is always a favorite, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it’s chilled for a few hours.” —Recipe contributor Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan

Pepperoni Penne Carbonara

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, sun-dried tomatoes, butter, garlic, pepperoni, Parmesan, heavy cream, basil
Level: Beginner

It’s always a good idea to have pepperoni in the fridge—not just for pizzas and calzones, but also for dishes like this easy, comforting penne that riffs on traditional carbonara sauce. Of course, you could also use any kind of Italian salami or prosciutto.

“Sun-dried tomatoes and turkey pepperoni lend fantastic flavor to this creamy, hearty pasta dish. It’s a great change of pace from everyday spaghetti.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Creamy Chicken and Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, mushrooms, butter, white wine or broth, heavy cream, chicken, capers
Level: Beginner

Don’t be surprised if you start cooking chicken dinners more often just so you can make this satisfying penne the next night with the leftovers. The best type of wine to use for this rich sauce is a pinot grigio or unoaked chardonnay.

“Rich, creamy and laced with wine, this homemade sauce is one my family loves. Use it over pasta and chicken for a dinner you’ll be proud to serve. I also add capers to lend a salty, lemony flavor to pasta.” —Recipe contributor Elaine Moser, Spokane, Washington

Pretty Penne Ham Skillet

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, ham, red pepper, basil, oregano, lemon juice, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

Fresh lemon juice adds pep and brightness to this aromatic, ham-studded penne dish that’s dressed up with lively fresh herbs. If you don’t have penne on hand, swap in any short-cut pasta shape from your pantry, like farfalle or rotini.

“I’m a busy nurse, so fast meals are a must. This pasta is a tasty change of pace from potato-ham casseroles.” —Recipe contributor Kathy Stephan, West Seneca, New York

Chicken Penne Casserole

Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, boneless chicken thighs, green pepper, red pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mozzarella, Romano cheese
Level: Intermediate

Mix even more vegetables into this cheesy casserole, like spinach or zucchini, or swap out the chicken entirely for a fully vegetarian feast. If you prefer a protein option, ground sausage is another great swap for the chicken. Short pastas like spiral pasta and elbow macaroni are delicious in this casserole too.

“This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes.” —Recipe contributor Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, ground beef, bacon, condensed tomato soup, cheddar
Level: Beginner

Thanks to the ever-versatile can of condensed tomato soup, this beefy, cheesy pasta comes together in a flash. For even more sweet-savory flavor, saute chopped onions with the ground beef, and serve the final dish with your favorite bottle of barbecue sauce on the side.

“I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version.” —Recipe contributor Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota

Creamy Spinach Chicken Dinner

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, chicken breasts, onion, cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, spinach, mozzarella
Level: Beginner

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will brighten this luscious pasta dish that comes together in just a half hour. Check out our other tasty recipes that start with a can of cream of mushroom soup.

“Cleanup is a breeze with this creamy spinach chicken. To make things even easier, tear the spinach with your hands instead of cutting it. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, shrimp, marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce
Level: Beginner

A handy jar of Alfredo sauce will convince anyone who tastes this decadent shrimp pasta that you spent hours cooking over the stove. If you’re up for a project, however, homemade Alfredo sauce will make a difference for special occasions.

“People love this creamy pasta and think it’s complicated, but jarred sauces make it so quick to prepare. It feels special enough for festive occasions.” —Recipe contributor Cassandra Gourley, Williams, Arizona

Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, barbecued shredded pork, canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, cheddar
Level: Beginner

Refrigerated barbecued shredded pork is a helpful shortcut on a weeknight. If you feel like making your own, we love this Carolina-style barbecue pork recipe; the vinegar in the sauce adds the perfect tang.

“I’m the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork.” —Recipe contributor Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Eggplant Zucchini Bolognese

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, ground beef, tomato puree, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate

Garlicky summer vegetables practically melt when roasted in the oven, making a satisfying sauce that’s delicious with or without the ground beef. To make the most of the season’s bounty, serve this rich penne with a colorful zucchini panzanella salad.

“I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish. This meal-in-one dish blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors.” —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, zucchini, carrot, mushrooms, green pepper, canned black beans, tomato
Level: Beginner

Vegetarian pastas are always excellent when served cold the next day as a salad—even better if you have fresh herbs to add to the mix. These are our favorite canned black beans to keep on hand for quick recipes like this one.

“Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce.” —Recipe contributor Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana

Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, ground beef, diced tomatoes, mustard, ketchup, cheddar
Level: Beginner

Never had dill pickle relish in your pasta? Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it in this cheeseburger-inspired pasta that’s packed with ground beef, cheddar cheese and all the fix-ins.

“I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic!” —Recipe contributor Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma

Kielbasa Casserole

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, Polish sausage, cream of mushroom soup, sauerkraut, Swiss, 2% milk
Level: Intermediate

Tangy kraut, rich kielbasa, creamy mushroom soup and lots of Swiss cheese make the sauce for this penne. Cover and freeze one of these unbaked casseroles for up to three months—this satisfying pasta is such a treat to have on hand for nights you don’t feel like cooking.

“When I first made this dish, my 2-year-old liked it so much that he wanted it for every meal! You can use almost any pasta that will hold the sauce.” —Recipe contributor Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, garlic, canned tomatoes, cannellini beans, spinach
Level: Beginner

This spectacular pantry meal uses canned beans, tomatoes and olives to make a richly flavored sauce—just add vibrant fresh spinach. If you’re cooking for meat lovers, brown some herby Italian sausage to mix into the sauce.

“I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they’re known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist.” —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Nikki's Perfect Pastitsio

Total Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, butter, Parmesan, ground sirloin, tomato sauce, cinnamon
Level: Intermediate

This beloved, ultra-cheesy Greek dish proves that pasta works with just about any flavor profile—not just Italian. A hint of cinnamon adds an irresistible warm spice to the beef sauce, which is layered with a rich Parmesan bechamel. Serve with a zesty Greek salad, of course!

“My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom’s.” —Recipe contributor Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana

Sausage and Squash Penne

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, frozen winter squash, Italian sausage, onion, Parmesan
Level: Beginner

With tender, sweet squash and rich Italian sausage, this pasta dish is our idea of pure comfort (and it comes together in just 30 minutes.) Serve with roasted broccoli or any Italian-inspired vegetable side dish.

“I love using frozen cooked winter squash because the hard work—peeling, chopping and cooking—is all done for me.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Roberts, South Burlington, Vermont

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, cream cheese, heavy cream, Swiss cheese, cooked chicken breasts, crumbled bacon, ham, bread crumbs
Level: Intermediate

This simple cheesy sauce gets its thick richness from cream cheese and heavy cream, perfectly coating the penne to make an impressive baked pasta. The decadent dish can easily be made vegetarian. Take out the chicken breasts, bacon and ham, and swap in sauteed mushrooms or spinach.

“Facebook fans of my blog, Chef in Training, inspired me to make this creamy pasta casserole out of ingredients I had on hand. Success! I took the dish for another flavorful spin and added a bit of smoky bacon and toasted bread crumbs.” —Recipe contributor Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah

Italian Pasta Bake

Whether feeding a small army or just your very hungry family, this pasta bake recipe never fails to satisfy.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, Buffalo wing sauce, onion, mozzarella, sour cream, ranch dressing, penne
Level: Beginner

The name of this recipe sells itself. Who doesn’t love tangy Buffalo chicken and creamy pasta? Cooked in the slow cooker, chicken breasts become wonderfully tender and absorb all that fantastic buffalo sauce flavor. Garnishing the dish with chopped celery is a fun finish for all the wing lovers out there.

“Buffalo chicken is a favorite in our household. Combine it with pasta and you have the ultimate comfort food. If you prefer less spicy food, the addition of sour cream, ranch dressing and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and cooler flavor that nicely balances the spice in this buffalo chicken pasta dish.” —Recipe contributor Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada

Copycat Pasta Da Vinci

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Penne, red onion, chicken breasts, garlic, mushrooms, white wine, beef broth, cream cheese, butter, half-and-half, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate

This comforting, restaurant-worthy pasta is one of our favorite copycat recipes from The Cheesecake Factory. Make it with shrimp, Italian sausage or just about any protein. For the full copycat experience, make the restaurant’s heavenly brown bread to serve alongside it.

“I fell in love with this dish at the Cheesecake Factory and experimented with the ingredients until I could duplicate it. I think mine is just as good if not better! The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Thaw if frozen and warm gently in a large skillet. Cook pasta and you have a delicious dinner on a weeknight.” —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Smoked Salmon Pasta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, smoked salmon, sun-dried tomato pesto, Parmesan, feta
Level: Beginner

In case you needed a reason to keep sun-dried tomato pesto on hand, this recipe is it. The pesto adds a brilliant nutty backdrop to this veggie-packed salmon pasta.

“This pasta originally came to be from the miscellaneous ingredients in my fridge, and depending on whom I’m cooking for, it changes a little each time I make it. The recipe makes enough for a party or for leftovers, which is a bonus because it is excellent the next day whether you serve it cold or reheated.” —Recipe contributor Jackie Hennon, Boise, Idaho

Creamy Skinny Pasta Casserole

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, ground chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella
Level: Beginner

For extra decadence, tuck some fresh mozzarella cheese pearls (like bocconcini) into the dish before baking and serve with lots of grated Parmesan. Check out all of our comforting pasta casserole recipes for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners.

“Baked pasta is a favorite potluck dish, so I altered some of the ingredients in my traditional recipe to make it lower in calories. Try this healthy pasta recipe with ground beef, too!” —Recipe contributor Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee

Penne All'Arrabiata

Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red onion, hot chiles, garlic, canned tomatoes, penne, bread crumbs
Level: Beginner

Romano and Parmesan cheese thicken this spicy Italian tomato sauce, which originated in Rome. Adjust the heat level to your tastes, and use a couple dashes of red pepper flakes if you don’t have dried hot chiles. If you love spice, use both!

“Pasta all’arrabbiata, a classic Italian recipe, is my comfort food be it summer or winter. My kids and I love sprinkling pangrattato (fried bread crumbs) on top of the arrabbiata sauce.” —Recipe contributor Smitha Haridasan, Ganapathy, India

One-Pot Enchilada Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mini penne, vegetable broth, black beans, diced tomatoes, yellow pepper, corn, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, shredded cheddar
Level: Beginner

Flavored with zesty enchilada sauce and a hit of peppery taco seasoning mix, this Mexican-inspired one-dish pasta has such a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. If you can’t find mini penne, other small pasta shapes, such as small shells or ditalini, work great.

“I love this cozy dish because it is ready in 30 minutes and is full of healthy ingredients—it has everything a busy weeknight meal calls for.” —Recipe contributor Nora Rušhev, Reitnau, Switzerland

Gorgonzola Shrimp Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne, shrimp, white wine or chicken broth, cream cheese, Gorgonzola, walnuts
Level: Beginner

This luscious penne has so many satisfying textures and flavors with crunchy walnuts, sweet dried cranberries and creamy Gorgonzola cheese. If you don’t like the funk of blue cheese, swap in nutty Parmesan or even feta.

“This creamy pasta dish is so quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknights, but feels special enough for company.” —Recipe contributor Robin Haas, Hyde Park, Massachusetts

Pressure-Cooker Penne with Meat Sauce

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, green pepper, penne, pasta sauce
Level: Beginner

One of the simplest ways to beef up a jar of pasta sauce is to, well, add beef and throw it in the pressure cooker with some veggies and extra seasoning. Here are more of our favorite quick Instant Pot recipes that are ready in 30 minutes or less.

“This pressure-cooker pasta is delicious and super easy. I like to serve it with a chopped salad and Italian dressing.” —Recipe contributor Virginia Butterfield, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Penne Pasta FAQ

What type of sauce is best with penne pasta?

Penne is best served with thicker, richer sauces like creamier vodka sauce or tomato-based meat sauces, because the tube shape allows for more surface area that can be covered in pasta sauces. Fresh basil pesto is another classic Italian sauce that perfectly coats penne pasta, served hot or in cold pasta salads. You may want to avoid serving penne with sauces that have big pieces of meat, like meatballs, because they can’t fit through the tubes.

How long do you boil penne pasta?

Follow the instructions on your box, but dried penne pasta usually cooks in boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes. Once you get to 10 minutes, bite a noodle to see how al dente it is and decide how much longer you’d like it cooked, depending on your preference. If your recipe calls for finishing the penne in a stovetop sauce, the noodles will cook more in the pan, so you may want to drain the pasta when it’s a little underdone.

What’s the difference between penne and penne rigate?

Rigate means “ridged” in Italian, so penne rigate has those ridges on the outside that are excellent for soaking up sauce. The other type of penne is penne lisce, which means “smooth” in Italian, so its surface is, you guessed it, smooth. We tend to prefer penne rigate for better sauce absorption.