12 Best Penne Pasta Recipes

Penne pasta recipes are adored in Italy and around the world. The shape and ridges of this iconic Italian pasta tube work beautifully with a wide range of sauces, which has helped secure its presence in many traditional Italian dishes.

This collection of penne recipes showcases the variety of dishes you can create using this popular pasta.

What does ‘penne’ mean?

The word 'penne' means “quills” or “pens” in Italian, reflecting this pasta's pointed, pen-like shape.

The origin of penne pasta.

Penne as we know it was invented in Liguria, Italy in the 19th century. On March 11th 1865, a certain Giovanni Battista Capurro patented a machine that could cut pasta diagonally. Before this invention, they used to cut penne pasta by hand with scissors. This resulted in edges that were often jagged and uneven.

Different types of penne

The original penne pasta wasn’t the same color as today. Interestingly, Italians used saffron to color it, a technique used even in Medieval times. So, while nowadays most penne is the natural color of wheat, the original version had a rich golden-yellow color!

Here in Italy, we can buy different types of penne. The most common has grooves on the outside (rigate). But, there is also smooth penne (lisce). Penne also comes in different sizes, mezze penne are smaller than the standard size. Pennoni are large tubes.

Penne Pasta Recipes

Click the recipe name to learn more and get ingredients and instructions.

1) Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla Vodka, also called pasta alla Russa in Italy, is a creamy and classic dish from the 70s and 80s that has recently returned to popularity, especially in the U.S.

It combines a dash of vodka in a creamy tomato pasta. It's easy to make, yet special enough to serve on date nights and to guests.

2) Penne Pasta alla Valdostana

Penne pasta alla Valdostana is a cheesy delight from Northern Italy's Aosta Valley, an area famous for its delightful Fontina cheese. In fact, the highlight of this dish is undoubtedly the Fontina cheese, which melts perfectly to create a smooth and creamy pasta.

Quick to whip up and versatile enough to be enjoyed as a baked pasta dish, it's an excellent choice for any day of the week.

3) Italian creamy beef ragu

In Italy, this creamy beef ragu pasta recipe is known as pasta alla Montecarlo. It's a modern twist on the classic ragu, pairing ground beef ragu with cream and fragrant basil pesto to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

The result is an incredible super tasty sauce that works wonderfully with penne.

4) Creamy Ham and Tomato Penne al Baffo

This creamy ham and tomato penne al baffo is an Italian staple perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s a quick dish that doesn't compromise on flavor.

You'll have a creamy and satisfying pasta dish ready by the time you finish cooking the pasta. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover holiday ham.

5) Mediterranean Pasta

Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this very easy penne recipe. You can bring this dish to life in just 40 minutes using just eight common ingredients.

This pasta recipe is an excellent choice for a simple family dinner and for those following the Mediterranean diet.

6) Pasta alla Boscaiola

Pasta alla Boscaiola, also known as Woodman's Pasta, is a traditional Italian dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall.

This hearty pasta recipe is originally made with freshly foraged mushrooms. However, you can use any type of mushroom to recreate this Italian classic at home. Italians traditionally serve alla boscaiola with penne or tagliatelle.

7) Penne Pasta with Sardines

This penne pasta with sardines recipe is a trip to Sicily on a plate. Featuring a combination of sardines and wild fennel, it beautifully captures the fusion of Arab and Mediterranean cultures found in the local cuisine.

This historical dish takes you back to Sicily's past and brings authentic Sicilian flavors to your kitchen.

8) Pasta with tomato sauce allo scarpariello

Pasta with tomato sauce allo scarpariello is a classic dish from the ancient Spanish Quarter of Naples. It's an ideal choice for family meals, as kids love it! With its simplicity and heartwarming flavors, pasta allo scarpariello is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

9) Gorgonzola Pasta with Olives alla Cenere

The gorgonzola pasta with olives (pasta alla cenere in Italy) is a creamy, delicious dish that you can make in less than 30 minutes.

It only requires 3 main ingredients but delivers a gourmet taste, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you have guests over. Plus, this is also makes for a delicious side dish with white or red meat.

10) Creamy Pancetta Pasta del Maresciallo

Creamy pancetta pasta del maresciallo is Italian simplicity at its finest. This dish effortlessly transforms a few pantry staples into a satisfying meal.

The quick and easy steps mean that you can enjoy this heart-warming pasta dish in the time it takes to boil the water and cook the pasta.

11) Pasta alla Pizzaiola

If you love marinara pizza, you're going to love this pasta alla pizzaiola. It's inspired by pizza marinara and is a beloved dish here in Italy.

Although most definitely of Neapolitan origin, slightly different versions of alla pizzaiola are traditional in Basilicata, Sicily and Campania. This recipe is the version from Salento, Puglia.

12) Pasta alla Norcina

Pasta alla Norcina is a traditional dish from Umbria, particularly from the historic town of Norcia, famous for its sausages and cured meats.

Italians usually make this easy pasta recipe with penne or rigatoni. It uses few ingredients, yet it's packed with flavor and creaminess. You’ll want to make it part of your regular pasta menu.

A few other recipes for your penne pasta

Penne pasta's shape and ridges make it perfect for countless recipes. Here are a few additional ones that work great with penne!

Pasta with Tuna Bolognese

This easy tuna pasta recipe is perhaps one of the simplest yet most delightful tuna pasta dishes you'll come across.

However, despite its simplicity, it was recently registered as an authentic recipe from Emilia-Romagna with the Italian Academy of Cuisine (L’Accademia Italiana della Cucina).

Italian Braised Pork Ribs with Pasta

Italian braised pork ribs with pasta is a delicious dish enjoyed throughout Italy. This specific pork short ribs recipe comes from Emilia-Romagna. The ribs cook in a luscious tomato sauce until they become tender and the meat falls effortlessly off the bone.

Italians traditionally serve this pork ribs recipe on Sundays and holidays as two courses. In fact, it's versatile enough to be enjoyed as two meals or just a one-plate dish.

Pasta Arrabbiata

Arrabbiata Pasta is a classic Italian recipe that brings the fiery essence of Rome right to your dinner table. Arrabbiata, which means 'angry' in Italian, lives up to its name with its signature spicy kick.

Locals typically serve arrabbiata with bucatini or penne pasta. The ridges and tubes of penne are perfect for catching the spicy sauce.

Gargati with Spring Ragu

Il consiero, a mixed meat ragu from Vicenza in Veneto, is a unique pasta sauce that adjusts with the changing seasons.

In this springtime version, Venetians pair the pasta with a ragu of cured pork fatback (lardo) and three types of white meat, with the addition of fresh peas and asparagus. This an excellent spring pasta recipe!

Let me know what you think.

If you make any of these Italian penne pasta recipes, I’d love to hear how it turned out and if you liked it. Please leave a comment here on the blog or on The Pasta Project Facebook page.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Buon appetito!

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If you are interested in learning how to make homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! 

Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of one of my pasta recipe cookbooks (alos available as a PDF) or checkout some recommended pasta making tools?