What to Do With Leftover Penne Pasta – 10 Recipe Ideas

Do you often find yourself with leftover penne pasta and no idea how to use it up?

Well, here’s a theory for you: with just a little creativity and some simple ingredients, you can transform that extra pasta into 10 delicious dishes that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

From cheesy baked penne to zesty pasta salads, this article will guide you through a culinary adventure that will make you wonder why you ever considered tossing out those precious penne leftovers.

10 Delicious Ways To Use Up Leftover Penne Pasta

Are you looking for creative and delicious ways to use up leftover penne pasta? Look no further!

In this article, we will explore five mouthwatering recipes that will transform your leftover penne into culinary masterpieces.

From a cheesy Penne Pizza Casserole to a refreshing Penne Pasta Salad, these recipes will not only satisfy your cravings but also save you time and money.

Penne Pizza Casserole

You can transform your leftover penne pasta into a delicious Penne Pizza Casserole. This mouthwatering dish combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the comforting goodness of a casserole.

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together your leftover penne pasta, marinara sauce, diced bell peppers, sliced pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with additional cheese and pepperoni.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a cheesy, hearty casserole that is packed with the familiar flavors of a pizza.

Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cheesy Penne Bake

To make a delicious Cheesy Penne Bake, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

This comforting dish is perfect for using up leftover penne pasta. Begin by cooking the penne according to the package instructions until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the cheesy sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually pour in milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Next, combine the cooked penne and the cheese sauce in a baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheese and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve this Cheesy Penne Bake as a main dish or as a side, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!

Penne Pasta Salad

For a refreshing twist, try tossing some penne pasta with fresh veggies and a zesty vinaigrette dressing to create a flavorful Penne Pasta Salad.

Start by cooking the penne pasta until it’s al dente, then rinse it under cold water to cool it down.

In a large bowl, combine the penne pasta with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, then toss everything together until well coated.

The tangy vinaigrette perfectly complements the crisp vegetables and the tender penne pasta, creating a delicious and satisfying salad.

Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing dish on a hot summer day!

Penne Carbonara Frittata

If you’re craving a hearty breakfast or brunch, try making a delicious Penne Carbonara Frittata. This dish combines the flavors of a classic pasta carbonara with the light and fluffy texture of a frittata. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover penne pasta and create a satisfying meal.

To make this frittata, start by whisking together eggs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped cooked bacon. Then, mix in the cooked penne pasta and season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet and cook until the edges are set.

Finish it off by placing the skillet under the broiler to brown the top. The result is a savory and cheesy frittata with crispy bacon and tender pasta throughout. Serve it hot for a breakfast or brunch that will satisfy your cravings.

Penne Primavera Stir-Fry

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making a Penne Carbonara Frittata, let’s dive into another delicious recipe idea for your leftover penne pasta: Penne Primavera Stir-Fry.

This vibrant and flavorful dish is a perfect way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge.

To start, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, and sauté until they become tender.

Then, toss in your leftover penne pasta and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.

For the sauce, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and continue cooking until everything is well coated and heated through.

Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, and serve this Penne Primavera Stir-Fry hot.

It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying way to transform your leftovers into a delightful meal.

Penne Alfredo Stuffed Peppers

To make Penne Alfredo Stuffed Peppers, start by halving and deseeding bell peppers. Choose peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color, like red or orange, as they will add a beautiful contrast to the dish.

Once halved, brush the peppers with a little olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Then, roast them in the oven until they are slightly tender and have a charred appearance.

While the peppers are roasting, mix your leftover penne pasta with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. You can make your own sauce or use store-bought.

Once the peppers are done, fill them generously with the penne Alfredo mixture and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Return them to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The result is a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Penne Marinara Stuffed Mushrooms

For a twist on stuffed peppers, try making Penne Marinara Stuffed Mushrooms using leftover penne pasta and a flavorful marinara sauce.

These stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and creative way to use up any extra pasta you have on hand. The combination of the tender mushrooms, savory penne pasta, and rich marinara sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.

Simply mix the cooked penne pasta with the marinara sauce and stuff it into the mushroom caps. Then, bake them in the oven until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.

The result is a satisfying and flavorful appetizer or main course that will leave you craving for more.

Penne Puttanesca Omelette

If you’re looking for a unique twist on breakfast, try making a Penne Puttanesca Omelette. This delicious creation combines the flavors of a classic Italian pasta dish with the light and fluffy texture of an omelette. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover penne pasta and add some excitement to your morning routine.

To make this mouthwatering omelette, simply whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Heat some olive oil in a non-stick skillet and add the cooked penne pasta, tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.

Then pour in the egg mixture and cook until set. Flip the omelette over and cook for another minute. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

This Penne Puttanesca Omelette is not only easy to make, but it’s also bursting with bold flavors that will surely wake up your taste buds. Give it a try and enjoy a breakfast like no other.

Penne Pesto Zucchini Boats

Get ready to indulge in a delicious and healthy meal with these Penne Pesto Zucchini Boats.

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover penne pasta and adding a fresh twist to your dinner table. The zucchini boats serve as a flavorful vessel for the creamy pesto sauce and pasta, creating a satisfying and filling dish.

To make these boats, start by hollowing out the zucchini and filling them with a mixture of cooked penne pasta and homemade pesto sauce. Top it off with some shredded Parmesan cheese and bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.

The result is a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds.

Enjoy this dish as a main course or as a side dish to accompany your favorite protein.

Penne Arrabbiata Quesadillas

To make Penne Arrabbiata Quesadillas, start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. This will release their delicious flavors and create a mouth-watering base for your quesadillas.

Then, add the cooked penne pasta and toss it in the spicy Arrabbiata sauce, coating each piece with its fiery goodness. The penne absorbs the sauce, turning it into a rich and tangy filling that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Next, take a tortilla and spread a generous layer of grated mozzarella cheese on one side. Place a portion of the penne mixture on top, and fold the tortilla in half.

Cook it on a hot skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden and crispy. The result? A fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors that will blow your mind!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Ten mouthwatering recipes to help you make the most of your leftover penne pasta. From creamy baked penne with cheese to tangy penne pasta salad, these ideas are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Did you know that on average, Americans consume over 6 billion pounds of pasta each year? That’s enough to fill over 20,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

So next time you find yourself with leftover penne, don’t let it go to waste. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy a delicious meal.

Happy cooking!