ooking penne pasta is straightforward! Here’s a simple guide:
Ingredients:
Penne pasta (about 2 oz or 56 grams per person)
Water (about 4-6 cups per 100 grams of pasta)
Salt (1-2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
Boil Water:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the water. This helps season the pasta as it cooks.
Add Penne Pasta:
Once the water is boiling, add your penne pasta. Stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Cook the Pasta:
Let the pasta cook for 9-13 minutes, depending on your preference for doneness. Al dente (firm to the bite) is usually the ideal texture, so check it a minute or two before the time is up. You can taste a piece to see if it’s cooked to your liking.
Drain the Pasta:
Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water if you plan to use it for your sauce, as the starchy water helps thicken and bind sauces.
Serve:
Toss the drained pasta with your favorite sauce (like marinara, pesto, or Alfredo), or use it in a baked pasta dish.
Tips:
Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
For extra flavor, you can cook the pasta in broth instead of water.
Penne pasta is a type of pasta that is shaped like short tubes, often with a ridged texture. The name “penne” comes from the Italian word for “pen,” as the pasta’s shape resembles a quill or pen. The ridges on penne pasta help sauces cling to it more effectively, making it a great choice for both smooth and chunky sauces.
