Penne pasta is an incredibly versatile pasta shape, renowned for its ridged, cylindrical structure. This design makes it the perfect partner for a wide variety of sauces. Since penne can hold thick and chunky sauces well, every bite is packed with flavor. However, with so many different types of sauces to choose from, you may wonder: Which sauce is best for penne?
Whether you’re preparing a rich and creamy dish or a light and fresh pasta salad, the sauce you choose can elevate penne pasta to something extraordinary. Thus, let’s dive into the best sauces for penne, how to prepare them, and the unique flavors they offer.
1. Classic Alfredo Sauce
What is Alfredo Sauce?
Alfredo sauce is one of the most indulgent and creamy sauces you can pair with penne. It is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, which allows it to cling beautifully to the ridged surface of penne. This sauce makes an ideal choice for a rich, hearty meal. Although it was initially created in Italy, it has since become a worldwide favorite.
Why Alfredo is Best for Penne
The rich texture of Alfredo perfectly complements penne, allowing each piece of pasta to hold onto the sauce. Moreover, the ridges in the pasta trap the sauce, ensuring that each bite delivers the creamy flavor of the Alfredo.
- Ideal for: Comfort food lovers.
- Tips: For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and full-fat cream. Additionally, the fresher your ingredients, the richer and more luxurious your sauce will be.
Variations to Try
Additions like mushrooms, garlic, or grilled chicken can make Alfredo even more exciting. Alternatively, try swapping heavy cream with half-and-half to make it lighter or adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
For more information about different pasta pairings with Alfredo sauce, visit this penne pasta guide.
2. Marinara Sauce
What is Marinara Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a simple, tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs such as basil and oregano. It is light, fresh, and has a slightly acidic flavor. As a result, it is a healthier option compared to creamy sauces.
Why Marinara is Best for Penne
The lightness of marinara is perfect for those who prefer a fresh, less rich sauce. In fact, the acidity of the tomatoes balances beautifully with penne, providing a refreshing contrast to the pasta’s chewy texture.
- Ideal for: Health-conscious eaters and vegetarian dishes.
- Tips: For an added depth of flavor, simmer the sauce slowly to allow the tomatoes to break down and the herbs to infuse. In addition, fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil added at the end gives the sauce a burst of freshness.
3. Pesto Sauce
What is Pesto?
Pesto is a bright green, herbaceous sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It originates from Italy and offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that contrasts beautifully with heavier traditional tomato or cream-based sauces.
Why Pesto is Best for Penne
Penne is ideal for pesto because the sauce’s oily texture coats the pasta evenly. Additionally, the small ridges on the penne help hold the pesto in place. The fresh basil flavor pairs particularly well with cold penne pasta salads, offering a light and refreshing option for warm-weather meals.
- Ideal for: Summer meals, pasta salads, and quick dinners.
- Tips: Make sure to use fresh basil and high-quality olive oil. Furthermore, if pine nuts are too expensive or unavailable, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a similar flavor.
Pesto Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try different pesto variations by swapping the basil for spinach or arugula. Moreover, you can incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. You can also make a vegan version by using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
For more information on the health benefits of penne and pesto combinations, check out this article on healthy penne pasta.
4. Bolognese Sauce
What is Bolognese?
Bolognese is a rich, meaty sauce that hails from the Italian city of Bologna. This sauce is made with ground beef (or pork), tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a splash of red wine. These ingredients are slowly simmered together to create a thick and hearty sauce.
Why Bolognese is Best for Penne
The heartiness of Bolognese makes it a perfect pairing for penne. Moreover, the pasta’s ridged surface helps capture the chunky meat sauce, creating a satisfying, filling dish that’s perfect for a cold winter night. Thus, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a substantial meal.
- Ideal for: Hearty dinners and winter meals.
- Tips: Simmer the sauce for several hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Additionally, adding a splash of red wine during cooking enhances the richness of the sauce. For an extra decadent twist, stir in a bit of heavy cream towards the end.
Variations
You can also make a vegetarian version of Bolognese by substituting the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms, which still provide a satisfying, meaty texture.
5. Arrabbiata Sauce
What is Arrabbiata?
Arrabbiata is a spicy tomato-based sauce made with garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and red chili flakes. Its name comes from the Italian word for “angry,” referring to the heat provided by the chili.
Why Arrabbiata is Best for Penne
The spice from the Arrabbiata complements the mild flavor of penne, creating a bold, fiery dish that’s sure to satisfy spice lovers. Besides, the pasta’s tubular shape allows it to hold onto both the sauce and the pieces of chili and garlic.
- Ideal for: Lovers of bold, spicy flavors.
- Tips: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or fewer chili flakes. Additionally, if you want to add extra flavor, stir in a spoonful of capers or olives to balance the spiciness with some briny notes.
For more exciting sauce ideas to pair with penne, visit this short ribs recipe guide.
6. Cheese Sauce
What is Cheese Sauce?
A creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses is the ultimate comfort food sauce. It’s perfect for baked dishes and casseroles, where the cheese can melt and create a rich, creamy texture.
Why Cheese Sauce is Best for Penne
Penne holds up well to rich, creamy sauces like cheese. The ridged surface of the pasta ensures that the sauce adheres to every bite, creating a satisfying mouthfeel. Cheese sauce is also ideal for making penne bakes, where the cheese melts and becomes crispy on top.
- Ideal for: Comfort food and pasta bakes.
- Tips: For a smoother sauce, always use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded varieties tend to have anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly.
7. Mushroom Sauce
Mushroom sauce is a lesser-known but equally delicious option for penne. Made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onions, and cream, this earthy sauce offers a rich and savory flavor perfect for vegetarian meals.
- Ideal for: Rich, vegetarian dishes.
- Tips: Sauté the mushrooms until golden brown to release their natural sweetness. Additionally, a dash of white wine can add extra depth to the sauce.
How to Choose the Right Sauce for Penne
When choosing which sauce is best for penne, you need to consider the following factors:
- Creamy vs. Tomato-Based Sauces: Creamy sauces like Alfredo or cheese sauce are rich and indulgent, while tomato-based sauces like marinara or arrabbiata offer a lighter, more refreshing flavor.
- Dietary Preferences: Vegetarians can opt for sauces like pesto or marinara. Meanwhile, meat lovers might enjoy Bolognese for its hearty richness.
- Meal Type: For a quick summer dish, pesto or marinara is the way to go, while heartier sauces like Alfredo or Bolognese are best suited for heavier meals.
For more inspiration on how to use penne in various dishes, explore the comprehensive guide on cooking penne pasta.
FAQs
Which sauce goes best with penne pasta?
Some of the best sauces for penne include Alfredo, Bolognese, and pesto. The choice of sauce depends on your preferences and the type of meal you’re making.
Can I use pesto sauce with penne pasta?
Yes, pesto is a great match for penne. Its fresh and herby flavor works beautifully with the pasta, particularly in cold pasta salads.
How do I make a creamy sauce for penne pasta?
To make a creamy sauce, try using cheese sauce or Alfredo. Both are rich and cling to the ridges of penne, making every bite flavorful.
Is penne better with smooth or chunky sauces?
Both work well! The ridges on penne help hold onto chunky sauces like Bolognese, while smooth sauces like Alfredo also cling nicely to the pasta.
Conclusion
The answer to which sauce is best for penne depends on your preferences, dietary needs, and the occasion. Whether you’re craving something creamy like Alfredo, something fresh like pesto, or something hearty like Bolognese, penne pasta is the perfect base for a wide variety of sauces. Therefore, don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and ingredients to find the sauce that’s just right for you. For even more inspiration, check out this penne pasta recipe guide for additional ideas on how to cook and pair your favorite sauces.