Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked penne, coated in a luxurious Parmesan sauce that's both creamy and light, with bursts of fresh parsley adding a vibrant touch. This isn't just another pasta recipe—it's a culinary shortcut to transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet Italian-inspired meal that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests impressed. Get ready to elevate your home cooking game with this incredibly easy yet sophisticated Parmesan Parsley Penne Pasta!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir the pasta gently to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, or until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- As the oil heats, chop the fresh parsley if you haven't done so already. Set aside.
- Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese begins to melt and combine with the oil, creating a creamy sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne pasta directly to the skillet with the melted Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the chopped parsley to the pasta and toss again to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Parmesan parsley penne pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Reserve pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy consistency helps create a smoother, silkier sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Chop parsley just before adding to maintain its bright green color and fresh taste.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta in the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use less olive oil or substitute with a light cooking spray.
- Experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
