Olivia Carter
Are you tired of always using a pot to cook your pasta? Looking for a new and convenient way to prepare your favorite dish? Well, look no further! In this article, we will show you how to cook penne pasta in a skillet. Not only is this method quicker and easier, but it also results in a delicious and flavorful pasta that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 cup of penne pasta
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Your favorite pasta sauce
Step 2: Cook the pasta
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the penne pasta and stir it around to coat it with the oil. Cook the pasta for about 2-3 minutes, or until it is lightly toasted and golden.
Tip: Stir the pasta frequently to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
Step 3: Add the water
Carefully pour the water into the skillet, making sure to cover the pasta completely. Season the water with salt, to taste. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the pasta simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is al dente – tender but still firm to the bite.
Step 4: Drain and serve
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and check if there is any excess water. If there is, simply drain it using a colander. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and toss it with your favorite pasta sauce. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and hassle-free penne pasta cooked in a skillet!
Preparation and Ingredients for Cooking Penne Pasta in a Skillet
Before you begin cooking penne pasta in a skillet, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454g) of penne pasta
- 4 cups (946ml) of water for boiling pasta
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt
- 1 teaspoon (2g) of dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon (2g) of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of lemon juice
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparation:
1. Fill a large skillet with water, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente consistency.
3. While the pasta is cooking, combine the olive oil, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the skillet.
5. Pour the prepared olive oil mixture over the cooked pasta and toss to evenly coat the penne.
6. Place the skillet back on the stove over low heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the cooked penne pasta to a serving dish.
8. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Now that you have your ingredients prepared and your skillet ready, you are all set to cook delicious penne pasta that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Gather the ingredients and equipment
To cook penne pasta in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
| 2 cups of penne pasta |
| 2 tablespoons of olive oil |
| 1 small onion, finely chopped |
| 2 cloves of garlic, minced |
| 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes |
| 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth |
| 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano |
| 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish |
In addition to the ingredients, you will need the following equipment:
- A large skillet with a lid
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A sharp knife for chopping
- A cutting board for preparing the ingredients
- A can opener
Make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment handy before you start cooking to ensure a smooth preparation process.
Steps to Cook Penne Pasta in a Skillet
Do you want to learn how to cook penne pasta in a skillet? Look no further! Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal in no time.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fill a large skillet with water, leaving at least 2 inches of space at the top. Place the skillet on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. |
| 2 | Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. This will season the pasta as it cooks. |
| 3 | Once the water is boiling and seasoned, carefully add the penne pasta to the skillet. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. |
| 4 | Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally. The cooking time will depend on the brand and thickness of the pasta, but it usually takes around 8-12 minutes. |
| 5 | While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce or toppings of your choice. This can be a simple marinara sauce, a creamy Alfredo sauce, or a variety of vegetables and meat. |
| 6 | Once the pasta is al dente, drain it using a colander or sieve. Be careful as the water will be hot. |
| 7 | Return the drained pasta to the skillet and add your desired sauce or toppings. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. |
| 8 | Cook the pasta and sauce together for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. |
| 9 | Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together. |
| 10 | Serve the penne pasta in individual bowls, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade skillet pasta! |
With these simple steps, you can easily cook penne pasta in a skillet and create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Experiment with different sauces and toppings to personalize your dish and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Boil water and cook the pasta
To start cooking penne pasta in a skillet, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the penne pasta to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions or until it is al dente, which means it is cooked but still firm to the bite.
While the pasta is cooking, continue stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Test the pasta for doneness by tasting a small piece. When it is cooked to your desired texture, turn off the heat and carefully drain the water using a colander.
After draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming overcooked. Give it a gentle shake to remove excess water, but do not dry it completely, as a bit of moisture will help the sauce to adhere to the pasta later.
Now that your penne pasta is perfectly cooked, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe to create a delicious meal with your skillet.
Prepare the skillet and sauté the ingredients
Before you start cooking the penne pasta, it’s important to prepare your skillet. Choose a skillet that is large enough to fit all the ingredients comfortably. It’s also a good idea to use a non-stick skillet to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Start by heating the skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute or two. This will create a non-stick surface and add flavor to the dish.
While the skillet is heating up, it’s time to sauté the ingredients. Begin by chopping an onion and mincing a few cloves of garlic. Once the skillet is hot, add the onion and garlic to the oil. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, until they become translucent and aromatic.
Next, you can add any additional ingredients you’d like to sauté with the onion and garlic. This could include vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add diced chicken or sliced sausage for a heartier dish.
Continue cooking the ingredients in the skillet until they are tender and cooked to your liking. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Once the ingredients are sautéed, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking the penne pasta in the skillet. But before you do, take a moment to enjoy the delightful aroma coming from your skillet – it’s a sign that you’re on your way to a delicious meal!
FAQ
What is penne pasta?
Penne pasta is a type of pasta that looks like small tubes or cylinders with diagonal ends. It is a popular pasta shape that is often used in Italian dishes.
How can I cook penne pasta in a skillet?
To cook penne pasta in a skillet, start by boiling water in a separate pot and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat some oil in a skillet and add minced garlic, chopped onions, and any other desired vegetables. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they are softened. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for a few more minutes until well combined. You can then add your choice of sauce or seasoning before serving.
Can I cook penne pasta without boiling it separately?
Yes, you can cook penne pasta in a skillet without boiling it separately. This method is known as one-pot pasta. To do this, add the dry penne pasta to a skillet along with your choice of sauce, vegetables, and seasonings. Then, add enough liquid (such as water or broth) to cover the pasta. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness and the liquid has been absorbed. This method is quick and convenient, as it eliminates the need for a separate pot of boiling water.
What are some variations of penne pasta dishes?
There are numerous variations of penne pasta dishes that you can try. Some popular options include penne arrabbiata (pasta with a spicy tomato sauce), penne Alfredo (pasta with a creamy cheese sauce), penne primavera (pasta with mixed vegetables), penne alla vodka (pasta with a tomato cream sauce and vodka), and penne with sausage and peppers. These are just a few examples, and you can get creative by adding different ingredients and sauces to create your own unique penne pasta dish.
