Bring a taste of Italy to your table with Penne Tricolore, a visually stunning and flavor-packed pasta dish that celebrates the vibrant colors of the Italian flag. This recipe showcases three irresistible sauces—rich and creamy Alfredo, zesty tomato, and fresh basil pesto—all tossed with tender penne pasta to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, the dish is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes and serves up to four people. Each portion is plated side-by-side to beautifully display the tricolor presentation, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. Garnished with aromatic fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine in every bite!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Let the tomato sauce simmer for 10 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally and set aside.
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
In another small bowl, combine the basil pesto with 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen its consistency slightly.
Divide the cooked pasta into three portions. Toss one portion with the tomato sauce, another with Alfredo sauce, and the third with the basil pesto.
Plate the dish by arranging the three pasta portions side-by-side on each plate to highlight the tricolore (three colors). Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant Penne Tricolore!
Calories |
3506 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 189.6 g | 243% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.0 g | 365% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 318 mg | 106% | |
| Sodium | 3560 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 341.4 g | 124% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.9 g | 128% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.5 g | ||
| Protein | 99.6 g | 199% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1608 mg | 124% | |
| Iron | 35.3 mg | 196% | |
| Potassium | 3857 mg | 82% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.