Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked penne, each bite bursting with rich Parmesan cheese and a hint of olive oil's golden warmth. This Italian-inspired pasta dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Penne Pasta with Parmesan Cheese recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that impresses everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water to ensure the pasta is well-seasoned.
- Once the water is boiling, add 12 ounces of penne pasta to the pot. Stir the pasta gently to prevent it from sticking together.
- Cook the penne according to the package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Once the oil is hot, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. This will prevent the oil from overheating while you wait for the pasta to finish cooking.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the olive oil. Toss the pasta in the oil to coat it evenly.
- Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta, tossing continuously. This will help the cheese melt and create a creamy sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well to combine all the flavors.
- To serve, divide the penne pasta among four plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Enjoy your delicious Penne Pasta with Parmesan Cheese while it's hot!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-grated cheese won't give you the same creamy texture.
- Toss the pasta continuously when adding cheese to prevent clumping and ensure even coating.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, which means the pasta should have a slight bite in the center.
- Fresh basil is not just a garnish, but adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and melted cheese consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
