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In the same way that we could never choose a favorite child, it’s hard to pick just one pasta shape to call “most-loved.” After all, you can’t go wrong with spaghetti recipes or even orzo recipes for that matter. But let’s just say that nothing quite compares to a good old-fashioned penne pasta recipe! It’s one of those pastas that you know will be a hit with everyone in the family—even kids, picky eaters, and cowboys, alike! And it can be used for so many different pasta recipes. Whether it’s a one-pot dinner, a make-ahead pasta salad, or a chicken pasta recipe, you’ll want to keep a box of penne in your pantry for all these tasty ideas!
This crowd-pleasing noodle gets its name from the Latin word for "quill" or "pen," and it's often described as looking like a fountain pen thanks to the diagonally cut ends. The tube shape can come in two varieties: smooth or ridged. Either way, it’s the perfect pasta for hearty sauces or baked pasta dishes. Penne is also a great noodle to use in place of rigatoni, ziti, or other pasta recipes that have a cylindrical shape. Looking for some Italian dinner inspiration? Try using penne pasta for a classic primavera, pasta with zucchini pesto, or one of Ree's favorites: penne alla Besty, named after her sister!
1
Pasta Alla Vodka
It might sound strange to make a tomato cream sauce with vodka in it, but the alcohol is mostly cooked out in the end. Adding it helps to give the sauce a bit of sharpness, but it won't actually taste like vodka when you add all that onion, garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to it.
Get Ree's Pasta alla Vodka recipe.
2
Pasta with Peas
This recipe calls for mini penne pasta which just means you can fit more pieces of pasta on one forkful (but any size penne pasta would work)! Either way, you'll get lots of creamy, cheesy sauce and bits of pancetta and peas.
Get the Pasta with Peas recipe.
3
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Chicken, peppers, onions, and lots of fajita seasoning might sound like the ingredients to a classic Tex-Mex night. But Ree switches things up by adding in penne noodles to make it a new family-favorite pasta dish.
Get Ree's Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe.
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4
Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is loaded with mix-ins, like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, and veggies. You’ll notice that the recipe calls for rotini, but that any pasta (including penne) can certainly be used.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
5
One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
There's nothing better than pasta and pesto. Add in some chicken and you have a family-friendly meal that you'll want to make again and again.
Get the One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe.
6
Feta Pasta
It’s no wonder this pasta went viral on the internet—the dish is easy, cheesy, and incredibly versatile. Just swap in penne and use either feta or goat cheese depending on your preferences.
Get the Feta Pasta recipe.
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7
Baked Pasta with Sausage, Kale, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A baked pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food. This one has hearty sausage and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some healthy kale into your family meals.
Get Ree’s Baked Pasta with Sausage, Kale, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe.
8
Pasta Primavera
Penne pasta paired with an assortment of vegetables is like a celebration of springtime in one bowl. Don't be shy with the parmesan cheese topping!
Get Ree’s Pasta Primavera recipe.
9
Chicken Pasta Salad
This recipe combines pantry ingredients with convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken and a creamy homemade dressing for an easy make-ahead pasta salad.
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
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10
Penne with Cauliflower and Caramelized Onions
Once you try caramelized onions, you'll never be the same! The rich flavor makes this otherwise simple penne pasta recipe shine.
Get Ree's Penne with Cauliflower and Caramelized Onions recipe.
11
Caprese Chicken Pasta
Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and hearty chicken come together for this 25-minute meal. Note that you can swap the rigatoni for penne easily!
Get Ree's Caprese Chicken Pasta recipe.
12
One-Pot Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Keep the cleanup to a minimum with this one-pot pasta recipe where the penne noodles cook in the same pan as the sauce. It's that easy!
Get the One-Pot Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe.
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13
Pasta with Zucchini Pesto
If there's one thing Ree loves more than pasta itself, it's pesto! This one is made from summer veggies. Just swap the rigatoni for penne instead.
Get the Pasta with Zucchini Pesto recipe.
14
Baked Ziti
As the name implies, this dish is typically made with ziti. But Ree also suggests using mostaccioli, which is a variation of penne.
Get Ree's Baked Ziti recipe.
15
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Skip the marinara and try this sauce made out of creamy butternut squash! It's a comforting dish and a great way to add extra veggies on the table.
Get the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe.
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16
Penne a la Betsy
This is Ree and her sister Betsy's "favorite pasta dish of all time." It's a creamy combination of shrimp, tomato sauce, garlic, wine and herbs.
Get Ree's Penne a la Betsy recipe.
17
Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant Puttanesca
This summery pasta uses tons of roasted veggies, like zucchini and eggplant, plus briny olives and crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Get the Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant Puttanesca recipe.
18
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
This dish is everything you love about the creamy, cheesy, popular party dip. It even has crunchy panko breadcrumbs for topping!
Get Ree's Spinach Artichoke Pasta recipe.
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19
Penne with Mushrooms, Chicken, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This quick and easy dinner has plenty of hearty chicken and mushrooms coated in a light cheese sauce. You can serve it up with just about any veggie side.
Get the Penne with Mushrooms, Chicken, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe.
20
Penne Arrabbiata
Looking for a pasta dish with a bit of heat? The classic arrabbiata sauce is both rich and spicy! It uses three types of pepper: ground black pepper, red chili pepper, and paprika.
