Kamil Perry
Penne pasta is a versatile, popular, and recognisable pasta shape that works well with a variety of sauces, from creamy tomato sauces to meat ragùs. This paragraph will introduce a recipe for cooking penne pasta with cheese, a simple yet delicious dish that can be served as a side or main course. The recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to include additional ingredients such as meat and vegetables.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Preparing the ingredients
To prepare the ingredients for cooking penne pasta with cheese, start by gathering all the necessary items. The ingredients you will need include penne pasta, cheese, salt, water, and any additional ingredients of your choice. Common additional ingredients used in similar recipes include ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, thyme, parsley, butter, flour, broth, milk, olive oil, and tomato puree.
Once you have all the ingredients, it's important to prepare them properly before cooking. Start by measuring out the required amount of pasta. For a single pound of pasta, it is recommended to double the amount of sauce used or halve the amount of pasta to ensure it is well coated.
Next, prepare any additional ingredients that require chopping or mincing, such as the onion and garlic. You may also want to grate or shred the cheese if you are using a block of cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese.
If you are using ground beef, you may want to break it up into small chunks to ensure even cooking. You can also decide whether to use other types of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, or add vegetables like carrots and bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
Finally, prepare the spices and herbs by measuring out the desired amounts. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
By preparing all the ingredients beforehand, you'll ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process for your penne pasta with cheese.
Velveeta Cheese Nachos: The Ultimate Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Cooking the pasta
To cook penne pasta with cheese, you'll first need to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt will help to season the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions or until it is al dente, which means it should be cooked but still a little firm. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes, but you can taste a piece of pasta to check if it's done to your liking.
It's important not to overcook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to cook later in the sauce. When the pasta is ready, drain the water and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the sauce. For a simple cheese sauce, melt some butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add minced or chopped garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Then, add flour and cook for another minute, continuing to stir.
Slowly pour in broth or milk, stirring constantly, and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens. At this point, you can season the sauce with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or any other spices of your choice.
Finally, add the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined. Good options for melting include Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone.
Once the cheese sauce is ready, toss it with the cooked pasta. You can serve the pasta immediately, or for an extra cheesy touch, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, top it with additional cheese, and broil it for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Enjoy your cheesy penne pasta!
Cooking Pap: Rama, Cheese, and More!
You may want to see also
Making the sauce
To make a sauce for your penne pasta with cheese, you can use a variety of ingredients, including butter, garlic, flour, milk, broth, parsley, salt, pepper, and cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened. Then, add garlic, fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Next, melt butter in the pan and add garlic. Cook this mixture for about a minute over medium heat. Add flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Now, stir in milk and broth, and continue cooking while stirring frequently until the sauce reaches a boil and thickens.
At this point, you can add parsley, salt, pepper, and cheese to the sauce. Stir everything together until the cheese melts. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. If the sauce is too dry, add some more tomato sauce. If it's too acidic, add a little more sugar.
Finally, toss the cooked penne pasta with the sauce. You can serve it immediately, garnished with more cheese and Italian spices, or bake it for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Cooking Pasta with Feta: A Simple, Creamy Delight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Combining the pasta and sauce
Preparing the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt will add flavour to the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the penne pasta. It is advisable to break up the pasta slightly before adding it to the pot to avoid clumping. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate cooking time to achieve the desired texture, usually around 8 to 10 minutes for al dente pasta. Remember to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. When the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, you can begin preparing the sauce. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, usually around 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma. If you want to add meat to your sauce, now is the time to brown some ground beef or chicken in a separate pan. Once the meat is cooked, add it to the skillet with the onions and garlic. You can also include Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes to develop the flavours.
Now comes the exciting part of bringing everything together. In the skillet with your sauce, slowly add the cooked penne pasta. Gently toss and stir the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. If you're making a creamy sauce, this is when you would add milk, cream, or cheese to the mixture. For a meat sauce, you might add tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of sugar if needed. Continue cooking the pasta and sauce together for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Final Touches and Serving
Once your pasta and sauce are happily married, it's time for the finishing touches. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over your creation for a burst of freshness. If you're feeling indulgent, top the pasta with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Give everything a final stir, then serve your penne pasta masterpiece immediately. Enjoy the fruits of your labour, and don't forget to share with your loved ones!
Easy Kirkland Spinach and Cheese Ravioli Recipe
You may want to see also
Serving and storing
When serving penne pasta with cheese, it's best to serve it immediately while it's still hot and melted. Here are some tips for serving and storing this delicious dish:
Serving:
- Dish out the pasta into individual serving bowls or plates. Top each serving with additional shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, if desired.
- Consider pairing your pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
- For a more rustic presentation, serve the pasta family-style in the cooking pot, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- If you've added proteins or vegetables, ensure they are evenly distributed among the servings.
Storing:
- Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the pasta to airtight containers or sealable bags. Make sure the storage containers are specifically designed for food and can be sealed tightly.
- If you plan to store the pasta for a shorter period, you can keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked pasta. Place the airtight containers or sealable bags in the freezer, ensuring they are labeled and dated. Frozen pasta can be stored for about 2 to 3 months.
- When reheating, you can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. If using the microwave, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of liquid (water or milk) to prevent it from drying out. Cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Some additional tips:
- When reheating, you can also add a small amount of butter or olive oil to enhance the flavor and moisture of the pasta.
- If you're freezing the pasta, it's best to undercook it slightly (al dente) as it will continue to cook when reheated.
- You can also freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals.
- Leftover pasta sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later use.
Remember to practice safe food handling and ensure that your pasta is properly stored and reheated to maintain its quality and freshness.
Cooking Mini Round Ravioli: Cheesy Goodness
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cook the pasta in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente (cooked but still a little firm).
You can use a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, provolone, or a combination of these.
To make a basic cheese sauce, melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and cook for a minute. Then, add flour and cook for another minute while stirring. Next, stir in milk and cook until the sauce boils and thickens. Finally, add your choice of cheese and stir until melted.
