Penne pasta and marinara sauce: it’s a simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable dish. It’s also a mainstay of Italian-American cooking, and for good reason.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or something a little more special, penne and marinara can deliver. A basic version is easy to whip up with pantry staples, but you can also dress it up with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and meats.
This article explores the many facets of penne and marinara, from basic recipes and variations to serving suggestions and creative twists.
The Foundation: Marinara Sauce
You can’t have penne without marinara, so let’s talk sauce.
What is Marinara?
Marinara is a tomato-based sauce that’s usually made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It’s a simple sauce, but when done right, it’s spectacular. Marinara has Italian origins, and the traditional way to make it is to simmer the ingredients together until the flavors meld into something delicious.
Since the sauce is so simple, it’s important to use the best ingredients you can find. Look for good-quality canned tomatoes or, if you can find them, fresh, ripe tomatoes. Be sure to use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, too.
Making Marinara: From Scratch vs. Store-Bought
You can make marinara from scratch, or you can buy it in a jar. Making it from scratch gives you more control over the ingredients, and it’s often fresher than what you can buy in the store. But, buying it in a jar is definitely more convenient and can save you time.
If you go the store-bought route, you can always add a few things to make it taste more homemade. Try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano, a little extra garlic, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
The Perfect Penne: Cooking Techniques
Penne is a tube-shaped pasta that’s cut on the diagonal. The ends resemble the nib of an old-fashioned quill pen, which is where the name “penne” comes from.
Choosing the Right Penne
You’ll typically find two types of penne in the grocery store: penne lisce and penne rigate. Penne lisce has a smooth surface, while penne rigate has ridges. The ridges on penne rigate help the sauce cling to the pasta, giving you a bit more flavor in every bite.
Cooking Penne to Perfection
To me, the most important thing about cooking pasta is making sure it’s al dente. This literally translates to “to the tooth,” but it means that the pasta should be firm when you bite into it, not mushy or soft.
To get that perfect al dente texture, start checking the pasta a minute or two before the package directions say it should be done. Remember that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and type of pasta.
Cooking Pasta in the Sauce
For extra flavor, try transferring the penne directly from the pot to the simmering marinara sauce. If the sauce starts to thicken too much, add a little of the pasta water to loosen it up.
Classic Penne Marinara Recipe
Ready to whip up a comforting and delicious plate of penne marinara? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or oregano, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Be sure to salt the pasta water!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or oregano and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Enjoy this classic and satisfying penne marinara!
Variations and additions
One of the best things about penne marinara is how easily you can adapt it to your tastes. Here are a few ideas.
Spicy penne marinara
Want to add a little heat? Stir in some red pepper flakes as the sauce simmers. Start with a pinch, taste, and add more until it’s just the right level of spice for you.
Penne rosa: A creamy twist
For a richer, creamier take on penne marinara, try penne rosa. Penne rosa is made by stirring heavy cream into marinara sauce. To make penne rosa, prepare your favorite marinara sauce, then stir in a generous splash of heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then toss with cooked penne pasta.
Adding vegetables and protein
You can easily boost the nutrition and heartiness of penne marinara by adding vegetables and protein. Some vegetables that work well in penne marinara include:
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Spinach
For protein, consider adding:
- Italian sausage
- Ground beef
- Shrimp
- Chicken
Serving and Storing Penne Marinara
Penne marinara is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Some popular choices include garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the penne marinara. Consider freezing it in individual portions for easy meal preparation later on. That way, you can have a quick and satisfying meal whenever you want!
Closing Thoughts
Penne and marinara: It’s simple, versatile, and delicious. What more could you ask for in a weeknight meal?
Give our suggested variations a try, or experiment with your own. Add your favorite veggies, protein, or spices to create your signature penne and marinara dish. The possibilities are endless!