Penne Gold
Penne Gold is a rich, flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring crispy pancetta, garlic, and a robust tomato sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese. Its hearty and savory profile makes it perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown pancetta and garlic in olive oil over medium heat in a large frying pan for 7 minutes.
- Add tomatoes with liquid, salt, and red pepper flakes; boil, breaking up tomatoes, for 30 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently.
- Cook penne in a large pot of boiling water until al dente.
- Drain the pasta.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot.
- Add the sauce to the pasta and mix to coat.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using homemade or high-quality canned tomatoes. If you want a vegetarian option, replace pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a similar depth of flavor. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference, and feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added freshness. This dish is versatile and pairs well with Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Penne Gold hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Betsy'S Italian Potato Souffle or a selection of Biscottis for dessert. A glass of red wine can complement the rich flavors perfectly.
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 to prevent it from drying out. Warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne Gold contains roughly 1381 calories, with 19g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (352% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2398mg per serving (104% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, as different shapes may require longer or shorter cooking times.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten is present in processed items like pancetta or canned tomatoes.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove while cooking the pasta. This can save time on busy weeknights and allow the flavors to meld together even more!
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).