30 Must-Try Penne Paste Recipes for Every Taste
Penne pasta recipes deliver a hearty, satisfying meal with each tube-shaped bite.
From creamy sauces and meaty ragùs to veggie-packed pasta bakes, these recipes cater to every taste and occasion.
Each dish highlights penne’s ideal shape for holding sauces, creating flavorful experiences in every mouthful.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun chicken pasta brings a burst of flavor that dances on your palate.
The spicy, smoky notes of Cajun seasoning blend beautifully with tender chicken and creamy sauce, creating a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
Fresh vegetables add color and crunch, making every forkful satisfying.
This meal can easily turn an ordinary evening into something special, inviting you to savor each moment at the table.
Sharing it with loved ones makes the experience even richer as laughter fills the air alongside delicious aromas wafting from your kitchen.
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Ground turkey pasta bake brings comfort food to a whole new level.
This dish combines tender pasta with savory ground turkey, enveloped in a rich, zesty sauce that warms the soul.
Fresh herbs and gooey cheese create a delightful topping that melts beautifully in the oven, enticing everyone to gather around the table.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this meal offers both nourishment and satisfaction without demanding hours of preparation.
Enjoying it feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening, simple yet utterly fulfilling!
Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka offers a blend of creamy richness and zesty flavor that warms the heart.
This dish combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a luscious sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and a splash of vodka.
The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind an aromatic essence that enhances every bite.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness to the plate, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.
Enjoying this comforting meal can turn any ordinary evening into something special; it’s all about savoring those moments together over good food.
Rasta Pasta
Rasta pasta brings a burst of Caribbean flavor right to your plate.
Colorful bell peppers and zesty spices dance together, creating a lively dish that feels like a warm hug from the tropics.
The creamy sauce wraps around each piece of pasta, offering comfort while teasing your taste buds with hints of garlic and herbs.
Fresh vegetables add crunch, making every forkful an exciting adventure for your senses.
This vibrant meal invites you to savor the moment and share it with those you cherish most.
Jambalaya Pasta (Pastalaya)
Jambalaya pasta brings the rich flavors of New Orleans right to your plate.
This dish combines tender pasta with a medley of spices, succulent shrimp, and smoky sausage for a mouthwatering experience.
Each forkful bursts with zest, transporting you to vibrant street festivals filled with music and laughter.
The colorful peppers and onions add a crunch that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera brings a burst of freshness to your plate, celebrating the vibrant colors and flavors of seasonal vegetables.
This dish features al dente pasta tossed with an array of crisp veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes that shine with their natural sweetness.
A drizzle of olive oil adds richness while garlic infuses warmth into every bite.
The combination is light yet satisfying, making it a good choice for any meal or gathering.
Enjoying this dish feels like savoring the essence of spring itself in every forkful you take.
One Pot Beef Stroganoff Pasta
One pot beef stroganoff pasta brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.
Rich, tender beef mingles with creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
The beauty lies in its simplicity; everything cooks together in one pot, saving you time on cleanup while still delivering an impressive meal.
Fresh herbs add brightness to the savory flavors, making each bite satisfying and hearty.
Enjoy this tasty dish with loved ones for an unforgettable experience that warms both the belly and the heart.
Salmon Pasta with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce
Salmon pasta with sundried tomato cream sauce brings a twist to your dinner table.
This dish features tender salmon fillets nestled among perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce that bursts with flavor.
Sundried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, elevating the taste while providing beautiful pops of color throughout the meal.
Fresh herbs sprinkle in brightness, balancing the richness of the cream and making each forkful satisfying.
Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this recipe promises warmth and comfort in every bite.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
A Mediterranean pasta salad brings a burst of sunshine to your table.
Fresh vegetables like juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers mingle with al dente pasta for a colorful feast.
Tangy feta cheese adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the zesty olives and aromatic herbs sprinkled throughout.
This dish invites you to savor each mouthful while enjoying its mix of flavors and textures.
Sharing it with loved ones creates moments filled with laughter and joy, making every gathering feel special.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Penne
Creamy chicken pesto penne offers a comforting dish that warms the heart.
Tender pieces of chicken mingle with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luscious pesto sauce that bursts with flavor.
Fresh basil and garlic provide an aromatic touch, while creamy cheese adds richness to every forkful.
This meal is not just satisfying; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy good company.
Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings joy to any gathering you host.
Baked Penne with Meatballs
Baked penne with meatballs brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Picture a bubbling dish, where tender pasta mingles with rich tomato sauce and savory meatballs, all topped with melted cheese that creates a golden crust.
This meal offers an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist diving in right away.
It delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that warms the heart as much as the stomach.
Italian Style Mac and Cheese
Italian style mac and cheese offers a twist on the classic comfort dish.
Rich, creamy cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan melt together beautifully, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle.
Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano add an aromatic touch, transporting your taste buds straight to Italy.
A crispy breadcrumb topping provides just the right crunch, elevating this dish into something truly special for any meal.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Creamy mushroom chicken pasta brings comfort to the dinner table with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Tender pieces of chicken mingle with earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
The pasta serves as the perfect canvas, soaking up every bit of that creamy goodness while adding just the right amount of heartiness to each forkful.
Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add an aromatic touch, elevating this dish from simple to extraordinary.
Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Strawberry caprese pasta salad brings a fresh twist to your table, combining juicy strawberries with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil.
The bright colors invite you in, making it an eye-catching dish for any gathering.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the flavors.
Each forkful offers a mix of textures and tastes that can brighten up even the dullest days.
This salad not only fills your belly but also lifts your spirits with its vibrant presentation and refreshing taste.
Balsamic Veggie Penne Pasta
Balsamic veggie penne pasta brings a burst of flavor that dances on your palate.
Fresh vegetables mingle with al dente penne, all coated in a rich balsamic glaze that adds depth and sweetness.
Every forkful is a mix of textures, from the crispness of the veggies to the smoothness of the sauce.
This dish invites you to savor each moment at your table, whether alone or surrounded by loved ones.
Enjoying it feels like sharing warmth and joy through every delicious bite.
Lemon Pesto Penne
Lemon pesto penne offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes.
Bright, zesty flavors dance together with the rich, herbaceous notes of pesto, creating a harmony that excites the palate.
Each forkful brings an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and lifts your spirits.
The vibrant green of fresh basil and the sunny yellow of lemon create a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
Perfect for any occasion, this dish invites you to savor every moment while enjoying its light yet satisfying essence.
Creamy Shrimp Florentine
Creamy shrimp florentine offers a blend of flavors that dance on your palate.
This dish combines tender shrimp with fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich and velvety sauce that feels indulgent yet comforting.
A hint of garlic adds warmth, while the creamy texture makes every mouthful satisfying.
Perfectly paired with pasta or served over rice, it transforms an ordinary meal into something special and memorable.
You can easily whip this up for a weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering; either way, it’s sure to leave everyone smiling.
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
Grilled chicken pasta salad brings together tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables.
The smoky flavor from the grilled chicken adds depth to each forkful, while colorful veggies like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes provide a refreshing crunch.
Tossed in a light dressing that dances on your taste buds, this dish feels both satisfying and invigorating.
Perfect for picnics or casual dinners at home, it invites you to enjoy every moment spent around the table with loved ones.
With its balance of protein and carbs, this salad keeps you feeling energized throughout your day.
Penne with Prosciutto, Tomatoes and Zucchini
Penne with prosciutto, tomatoes, and zucchini brings a burst of flavor to your table.
The combination of tender pasta and savory prosciutto creates a contrast that dances on the palate.
Fresh tomatoes add juiciness while zucchini introduces a subtle crunch, making every forkful satisfying.
A drizzle of olive oil enhances the dish's richness without overwhelming its natural tastes.
This meal not only satisfies hunger but also invites you to savor each moment spent enjoying it with loved ones.
Greek Tzatziki Pasta Salad
Greek tzatziki pasta salad brings a refreshing twist to your usual pasta dishes.
Creamy yogurt mingles with crisp cucumbers, fragrant dill, and zesty garlic, creating a delightful dressing that coats every piece of pasta.
Fresh tomatoes and olives add bursts of color and flavor that make this dish visually appealing as well as tasty.
If you have picnics or casual gatherings, it's an easy recipe to prepare ahead of time so you can enjoy more moments with loved ones.
Baked Eggplant Penne Pasta
Baked eggplant penne pasta offers a comforting twist on traditional Italian fare.
The tender eggplant melds beautifully with the rich tomato sauce, creating a dish that warms the heart.
You can savor every bite as melted cheese blankets the top, adding a delightful creaminess that enhances each forkful.
This meal invites you to gather around the table and share stories while enjoying its hearty flavors.
Caprese Penne
Caprese penne brings together the freshness of summer in a delightful pasta dish.
Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together to create a burst of flavor that dances on your palate.
The penne holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is packed with goodness.
Drizzling some balsamic glaze adds an extra layer of richness that elevates this meal to something truly special.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Creamy Tuscan sausage pasta invites you to a warm embrace of flavors that dance on your palate.
Rich, savory sausage mingles with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a medley that feels like home.
A luscious cream sauce envelops every twist of pasta, ensuring each forkful is satisfying and comforting.
The hint of garlic adds depth while the Parmesan cheese melts into the dish, bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
Enjoy this hearty meal any night; it’s sure to become a favorite around your dinner table!
Mozzarella Penne Rosa Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Mozzarella penne rosa pasta with sun-dried tomatoes brings a comforting twist to your dinner table.
The creamy pink sauce, rich with flavors, wraps around each piece of penne like a warm hug.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful tang that dances on the palate, balancing the dish beautifully.
Fresh mozzarella melts into every bite, offering that gooey goodness you crave after a long day.
Enjoying this meal feels like indulging in cozy moments shared over laughter and good conversation.
Penne Bolognese
Penne bolognese brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
The rich, meaty sauce clings to the pasta, ensuring every forkful is satisfying.
Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic elevate the dish, making it feel like a hug on a plate.
This classic Italian recipe invites you into its heart with each simmering moment on the stove, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that spark joy.
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Bright and refreshing, lemon herb Mediterranean pasta salad brings a burst of flavor to your table.
Fresh vegetables mingle with al dente pasta, creating a mix that feels both hearty and light.
Zesty lemon juice dances with fragrant herbs, wrapping everything in a vibrant embrace that awakens the senses.
Each forkful offers a satisfying crunch from crisp cucumbers and sweet bell peppers, while olives add an irresistible briny touch.
Perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners, this dish invites you to savor every moment spent around good food and great company.
Roasted Vegetable Baked Penne
Roasted vegetable baked penne brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
Colorful veggies, like bell peppers and zucchini, mingle with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich tomato sauce.
Topped with melted cheese that bubbles enticingly in the oven, this dish invites you to dig right in.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor that elevates your delight.
Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus
Creamy lemon pasta with chicken and asparagus brings a burst of freshness to your dinner table.
The tangy citrus flavor dances beautifully with the rich cream, creating a delightful sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Tender pieces of chicken add heartiness, while crisp asparagus provides a satisfying crunch.
This dish is not just about taste; it’s about enjoying the simple pleasures that come from cooking at home.
Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef in a rich marinara sauce.
Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
This casserole is straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Its hearty nature ensures it's a family favorite.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
A chicken alfredo bake features penne pasta tossed with cooked chicken in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce.
The dish is topped with a generous layer of melted cheese.
It's a hearty option that's perfect for feeding a crowd, combining classic flavors in a baked pasta format.
This bake is a go-to for gatherings or family dinners.
Truc Tran (Kris)
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Asian Food Content Creator, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Program: Diploma of Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
Focus: The culinary program included a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management. This education provided a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical training in finance, sustainability, diversity, and human resources management.
Program: Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Focus: Explored global cuisines, and developed entrepreneurial abilities to manage a successful food business, along with acquiring essential language, math, computer, and communication skills for success.
Program: Certificate of Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef
Focus: Master traditional and modern Vietnamese cooking techniques.
Truc Tran, or Kris, is an accomplished food editor with extensive training in hospitality and culinary arts, including a deep focus on Vietnamese cuisine from various prestigious institutions. She possesses over nine years of experience, developing her expertise in global cuisines and blending traditional Vietnamese cooking with contemporary trends to create engaging and educational content.
She also has a rich educational background, including a Diploma of Hospitality from TasTAFE and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts from Kendall College’s Sydney branch. It enables her to offer unique insights into meal planning, recipe development, and food culture, making her articles and cooking videos both informative and appealing.