Penne is one of our favorite types of noodles to use in recipes. Whether it’s a hot pasta dish, or a pasta salad, you’ll love these Penne Pasta Recipes of all kinds!
Penne noodles are one of my favorite types of pasta to use!
I can cover them with a simple Marinara Sauce or use them to make a delicious Creamy Baked Penne Pasta – endless recipes and dinner ideas! I’ve gathered some of our favorite penne pasta recipes I know your family will love.
Penne pasta is particularly nice to use because its design invites a burst of flavor with every bite. The hollow tube shape allows the sauces and spices to seep into the center while the rigid texture helps coat the outside with delicious flavor.
Tips for Using Penne Pasta
Store plain penne pasta: Once the pasta has been cooked and drained, you can add it to your recipe right away or store it to be used later. I do want to add that you should cook al dente. This will help keep the pasta from getting mushy when stored. Also, toss the pasta in olive oil to prevent the pieces from clumping together
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days then use it in any of your favorite recipes. It’s especially good in chilled pasta salads.
You can also freeze the pasta. Place the penne in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours or until the pasta is solid. Transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for 1-2 months.
Storing cooked dishes: Most of these penne pasta dishes can be stored successfully in the fridge and freezer to be heated up and used on a busy day. See the individual posts for more information.
Penne Substitutes: If you don’t have penne pasta you can still make these yummy recipes simply replace the penne with a similarly sized pasta such as:
wagon wheel, shell, rigatoni, fusilli, ziti, bow tie
Favorite Penne Pasta Dishes
Favorite Penne Pasta Dishes
These penne pasta recipes have all kinds of different sauces, meats, and add-ins.
Main CourseWhite Sauce Pasta Recipe
Super simple and delicious Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe packed with flavor. This dish is perfect by itself or you can add chicken too!
A delicious and simple casserole version of the dish every family loves - Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole! Pasta, chicken, lots of cheese, and yummy seasonings make this pasta casserole a hit!
If you like creamy, cheesy, white sauce pasta then you'll absolutely love this Three Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe. Filled with Ricotta, Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese, and is SO easy to throw together! The whole family loves this recipe!!
Total Time: 45minutes
4.84 from 18 votes
Main CourseCreamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Simple & Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is bright, cheesy, and comforting. It is a flavorful dish the entire family will love!
A dish that is appealing to both your tastebuds and your eyes! This beautiful Layered Pasta Salad is filled with your favorite ingredients including pasta, chicken, peas, lettuce, celery, and more.
Lightly sauced Italian Sausage and Penne is flavorful and filling. This kid-friendly dish comes together quickly for a busy weeknight meal!
Total Time: 35minutes
5 from 3 votes
Use Penne Instead
Use Penne Instead
These recipes are written using other pasta shapes, like bow tie pasta. However, you can easily substitute the pasta with penne pasta.
Main CourseItalian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Everyone loves this Italian Sausage Pasta recipe! Not only is it easy, cheesy, and delicious, but it is a hit with the entire family and can be made mild or spicy depending on your preferences.
Easy and delicious Italian Pasta Salad recipe that includes Rotini pasta, olives, tomatoes, & cheese in Italian dressing! It takes minutes to make and is perfect for any get together including BBQs and holidays.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta - a creamy and delicious pasta dish filled with cheese, chicken and bacon all made in one pot! This pasta can't be beat!
A copycat version of Cheesecake Factory's Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine recipe. This flavorful and creamy dish is filled with chunks of chicken, garlic, whipping cream, spinach and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It's not only delicious but is a great way to change up the classic fettuccine recipe.
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is very flavorful and simple dinner idea that is sure to please. It's filled with bow-tie pasta, chunks of chicken, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and pesto making it a new go-to meal recipe.
My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!
