Penne Alla Napolitana
Penne Alla Napolitana offers a hearty, flavorful Italian pasta dish with garlic, olives, basil, and melted cheeses, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook penne for 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and toss with one tablespoon olive oil.
- Return to pan and keep warm.
- Saute garlic slowly in three tablespoons of olive oil until softened but not browned.
- Add sliced olives, chopped basil, red pepper, and tomato sauce.
- Heat the mixture and stir in the cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan until the cheeses start to melt.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked penne and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using sun-dried tomatoes in place of some of the fresh tomatoes. If you prefer a bit more heat, add extra red pepper or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh mozzarella can be substituted with low-moisture mozzarella for a firmer texture. Remember to taste the sauce for seasoning before serving; you can adjust with salt or pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Penne Alla Napolitana with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully with this dish. You can also top it with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. For more delicious variations, check out other Italian recipes that highlight fresh ingredients.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta before microwaving to keep it moist. Alternatively, warm it up in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, which helps to maintain the texture of the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne Alla Napolitana contains roughly 1125 calories, with 33g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 956mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make Penne Alla Napolitana vegan, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or substitute them with plant-based cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, providing a flavorful dish that everyone can enjoy.
What can I use if I don't have penne?
If you don't have penne pasta, you can substitute it with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli. These shapes will still hold the sauce well. Alternatively, for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta variety. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of pasta used.
How can I add protein to this dish?
To add protein to Penne Alla Napolitana, consider incorporating grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Cook the protein separately and then mix it into the sauce before combining with the pasta. This addition will enhance the dish's heartiness and make it more filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).