Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

Penne pasta: A type of pasta shaped like short tubes, perfect for holding onto the sauce.

Garlic: Adds a strong, pungent flavor that is essential for this dish.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and coat the pasta, adding richness and depth.

Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the garlic and pasta.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color.

To enhance the flavor of the garlic, make sure to mince it finely and sauté it just until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Overcooking the garlic can cause it to become bitter. Additionally, reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining; you can add a splash of this starchy water to the skillet when tossing the pasta with the olive oil and garlic to help the sauce adhere better to the penne.

• penne pasta - Substitute with fusilli pasta: Fusilli has a similar texture and will hold the sauce well.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic for a similar flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor but can be used in the same quantity.

• chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh parsley.

• Allow the penne pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

• Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.

• For added freshness, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta before sealing the container. This helps to keep the pasta from sticking together.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The garlic penne pasta will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. Frozen garlic penne pasta can be stored for up to 2 months.

• When reheating, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from drying out.

• Stir occasionally until the pasta is heated through. If desired, sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving to enhance the flavors.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Garlic Penne Pasta.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a tablespoon of water if the pasta seems dry.
  4. Heat until the pasta is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Garlic Penne Pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the pasta is heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Garlic Penne Pasta in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water to prevent drying out.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  6. Once heated, remove the foil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

• Steam Method:

  1. Place the Garlic Penne Pasta in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a gentle simmer.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer and cover.
  4. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Once heated, garnish with fresh parmesan cheese and parsley.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Garlic Penne Pasta in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of olive oil to keep the pasta moist.
  4. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Once heated, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

• Large pot: Used for boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta after boiling.

• Large skillet: Necessary for heating the olive oil and sautéing the minced garlic.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic in the skillet and tossing the pasta to coat it with the garlic and olive oil.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the olive oil and grated parmesan cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring the salt and black pepper to taste.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Cheese grater: Needed for grating the parmesan cheese if it isn't pre-grated.

• Chopping board: Provides a surface for chopping the fresh parsley.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the fresh parsley finely.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and chop the parsley ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-grated cheese: Save time by using pre-grated parmesan cheese instead of grating it yourself.

Cook pasta efficiently: Boil the penne pasta while you prepare the other ingredients to multitask effectively.

Heat oil while pasta cooks: Start heating the olive oil and sautéing the garlic as the pasta cooks to synchronize cooking steps.

Use a large skillet: A large skillet allows you to toss the pasta more easily, ensuring even coating with garlic and olive oil.