How to cook Penne Pasta
Learn how to cook penne pasta perfectly every time with simple step-by-step instructions, including how long to boil and when it’s done
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Timer
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 6 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with 4–6 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, add 1–2 tablespoons of salt to flavor the pasta.
- Add the pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. For regular boiling, cook 10–12 minutes for al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Taste a piece a minute or two before the end of the cooking time. It should be tender but slightly firm in the center.
- Pour the pasta into a colander. Avoid rinsing unless making a cold pasta salad.
- Return pasta to the pot or a serving dish and toss with your favorite sauce, such as creamy chicken pasta, pink sauce pasta, or a simple olive oil and herb mix.
For one pot dishes
- If cooking penne in a dish like smoked sausage pasta, it may take up to 25 minutes for the pasta to fully cook in the sauce. Stir occasionally.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water: Keep a cup of pasta water to loosen thick sauces and help them cling to the pasta.
- Avoid overcooking: Overcooked penne becomes mushy.
- Need more flavor: Adding olive oil or herbs to the boiling water can enhance flavor.
- One-pot pasta: Dishes like smoked sausage pasta need longer cooking times, so check pasta for doneness and stir regularly.
- Serving ideas: Garlic bread, green salad, roasted vegetables, or protein like chicken, shrimp, or meatballs pair well with penne.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 7gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 911mgPotassium: 127mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
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