Cooks spotlight chain spots serving standout creamy penne pasta dishes
Penne pasta is a chef favourite as a result of its ridged, tube-shaped design grips sauces so effectively, making each chew flavorful and well-balanced. It’s additionally extremely flexible, running simply as effectively in creamy Alfredo dishes because it does in wealthy tomato sauces or pesto. “A standout penne dish is all about stability—the sauce must hang to these ridges, handing over taste in each chew with out drowning the pasta,” says Dennis Littley, Chef and Culinary Skilled at Ask Chef Dennis. “In my kitchen, it’s the solidarity of completely cooked penne, a well-built sauce, and thoughtfully layered substances that takes a easy dish and makes it memorable.” He provides, “When each component works in combination, that’s when penne truly shines.” With that during thoughts, listed here are 5 chain eating places the place Chef Dennis says you’ll reliably in finding one of the vital easiest penne pasta dishes.
Buca di Beppo
Buca di Beppo’s Creamy Pesto Penne is a signature lunch dish that’s to be had till 3 p.m. You’ll upload rooster or shrimp, and it’s served with garlic bread and a salad. “Buca di Beppo leans into daring, crowd-pleasing flavors, and their creamy pesto penne doesn’t hang again. The richness of the cream softens the natural punch of the pesto, making a easy, comforting dish that’s constructed for sharing. It’s indulgent in that vintage Italian-American approach that assists in keeping you going again for any other forkful.
Macaroni Grill
The Penne Rustica options roasted rooster, shrimp and prosciutto in a delectable rosemary cream with parmesan. Chef Dennis says it’s a extra “increased dish” that’s scrumptious. “The flavors are layered and pleasing, and the penne does an excellent activity of protecting onto that wealthy sauce,” he says. “It’s a cafe favourite for a reason why; it delivers a large number of taste in each chew.”
Applebee’s
Applebee’s 3 Cheese Hen Penne is wealthy, creamy, and bold. The mix of 3 cheeses creates a thick, savory sauce that coats the Penne pasta effectively, whilst the grilled rooster provides protein and makes it really feel like a complete, hearty meal. “Applebee’s is going all-in on consolation with this dish, piling on a trio of cheeses for a creamy, melty end,” says Chef Dennis. “The rooster provides heartiness, whilst the penne supplies the easiest base to take in all that tacky goodness. It’s no longer looking to be fancy, it’s about giant, acquainted flavors that hit the spot.”
Ruby Tuesday
The Cajun Shrimp Pasta at Ruby Tuesday is a hearty meal with a creamy, filling, and relatively highly spiced taste, which hits that comfort-food notice whilst balancing the flavors other folks incessantly need when eating out. “Ruby Tuesday brings slightly Southern aptitude with their Cajun shrimp pasta, including spice and character to the penne,” says Chef Dennis. “The shrimp is paired with a creamy sauce that balances the warmth, providing you with a dish that’s each daring and approachable. It’s a pleasing trade of tempo for those who’re in search of one thing with somewhat of a kick.”
Fazoli’s
Fazoli’s Baked Hen Broccoli Penne is inexpensive, fast, and constant—a very easy selection when other folks need a heat, hearty pasta dish with out anything else too sophisticated or heavy on spice. “The mix of smooth rooster, recent broccoli, and a mild, creamy sauce makes this dish really feel somewhat extra balanced whilst nonetheless being comforting,”says Chef Dennis. “It’s a cast, no-frills possibility that delivers precisely what you are expecting from a handy guide a rough Italian-inspired meal.”
Heather Newgen
