Penne Rustica: A Deliciously Simple Italian Classic

Penne Rustica, meaning “rustic penne,” is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and unforgettable meal. This recipe is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Penne Rustica recipe is guaranteed to impress.

What Makes Penne Rustica So Special?

Penne Rustica stands out for several reasons:

• Simplicity: It relies on a handful of high-quality ingredients, allowing their individual flavors to shine.
• Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, cream, prosciutto (or pancetta), Parmesan cheese, and herbs creates a symphony of savory and rich flavors.
• Versatility: You can easily customize the recipe with different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.
• Comfort: It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
• Quick & Easy: This dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Penne Rustica:

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound. Penne is the traditional choice, but you can substitute other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
• Prosciutto or Pancetta: 4 ounces, diced. Prosciutto adds a salty, savory depth, while pancetta offers a slightly richer, porkier flavor. You can also use bacon as a substitute.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 28 ounces. Use good-quality diced tomatoes for the best flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky dimension.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Heavy cream provides richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for its sharp, nutty flavor.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped. Basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Dry White Wine (optional): 1/4 cup. Adding a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Penne Rustica at home:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Prosciutto/Pancetta: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced prosciutto or pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the prosciutto/pancetta from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using, pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
5. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
8. Stir in the Herbs and Prosciutto/Pancetta: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, parsley, and the crispy prosciutto/pancetta.
9. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Penne Rustica

Here are a few tips to ensure your Penne Rustica is a culinary masterpiece:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The key to a great Penne Rustica is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for good-quality canned tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
• Simmer the Sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer, more complex flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the prosciutto/pancetta, don’t overcrowd the pan. This will prevent it from crisping up properly. Work in batches if necessary.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh basil and parsley add a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t replicate.
• Serve Immediately: Penne Rustica is best served immediately, while the sauce is still creamy and the pasta is hot.
• Warm the Serving Bowls: Warming the serving bowls helps to keep the pasta warm while serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Penne Rustica is its versatility. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

• Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
• Protein: Substitute Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp for the prosciutto/pancetta. Brown the protein before adding the onions and garlic.
• Cheese: Try using different cheeses like Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or fontina.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Cream: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree instead of diced tomatoes.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the prosciutto/pancetta for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables or a meat substitute like plant-based sausage.
• Vegan Option: Omit the prosciutto/pancetta and use a plant-based cream alternative. Substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Penne Rustica is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a light and flavorful appetizer.
• Soup: A hearty soup like minestrone or tomato soup complements the pasta perfectly.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Penne Rustica in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat Penne Rustica in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as creamy.

Penne Rustica: A Recipe for Any Occasion

Penne Rustica is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients, customizable flavors, and comforting appeal, Penne Rustica is a true Italian classic that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Detailed Recipe Card

Penne Rustica

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 4 ounces prosciutto or pancetta, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. (Optional) Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Add diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
8. Stir in basil, parsley, and crispy prosciutto/pancetta.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Notes:

• For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
• Substitute Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp for the prosciutto/pancetta.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.

Enjoy your homemade Penne Rustica!