You can make pasta a fancy or simple dish based on the ingredients you use because it is versatile. Try this Penne with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar recipe to make your next pasta meal even better. A great choice!
This dish combines the pleasant aroma of rosemary with the sweet flavor of balsamic vinegar. Together, they create a delicious taste. Exciting your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why Penne with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar?
Penne is a popular pasta choice for good reason. Its tubular shape and ridged surface make it ideal for capturing sauces, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.
This recipe uses penne pasta. It features a delicious balsamic vinegar sauce and fresh rosemary. The dish is simple but elegant.
The use of balsamic vinegar adds a unique twist to the classic pasta sauce. When reduced, balsamic vinegar becomes syrupy and sweet, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Rosemary, on the other hand, provides an earthy, aromatic note that complements the tangy balsamic perfectly. Together, these ingredients create a pasta dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious dish. Using fresh herbs and high-quality balsamic vinegar is important for enhancing the flavors in this recipe. Choose the best ingredients for the best results.
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of penne pasta: The star of the dish, penne is perfect for holding the sauce and absorbing the flavors.
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the dish and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced: Provides a robust, savory base for the sauce.
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, finely chopped: The key herb in this recipe, adding an earthy aroma.
- 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar: The main flavor component, reduced to create a sweet, tangy sauce.
- 1/4 cup of vegetable or chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes: For a subtle kick of heat (optional).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish.
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich finish to the dish.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: For an aromatic and visual garnish.
- Extra balsamic glaze: Optional, for drizzling over the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of creating this delightful penne dish. The steps are straightforward, and the result is a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily prepare at home.
1: Preparing the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial as it seasons the pasta from the inside out, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Al dente pasta will hold up better when mixed with the sauce and provides the perfect texture.
- Drain the pasta and save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce’s thickness later if needed.
2: Making the Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add the Rosemary:
- Stir in the finely chopped rosemary and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This step helps to release the essential oils in the rosemary, intensifying its flavor throughout the dish.
- Reduce the Balsamic Vinegar:
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and bring it to a simmer. Let the vinegar cook down for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As vinegar evaporates, it thickens and becomes sweeter with a richer flavor. It also loses some of its sharpness in the process.
- Once the vinegar has reduced by half, add the vegetable or chicken broth to the skillet. This will help balance the acidity of the vinegar and create a more cohesive sauce.
- Season the Sauce:
- Stir in the red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep cooking the sauce for 2-3 more minutes until it thickens slightly and all the flavors blend together.
Step 3: Combining the Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the Pasta:
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the balsamic vinegar and rosemary sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until each piece is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the pasta water until it’s the right thickness. Add one tablespoon at a time.
- Finish with Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to combine. The cheese will melt slightly, adding creaminess and depth to the dish.
Step 4: Serving the Dish
- Plate the Pasta:
- Divide the penne with rosemary and balsamic vinegar among serving plates or bowls. Make sure to scoop up plenty of the sauce and garlic pieces with each portion.
- Garnish:
- For a final touch, garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary. You can also drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze over the top for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the dish hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who like a little more cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Penne with rosemary and balsamic vinegar is a flexible dish that goes well with many different sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- A fresh salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes, dressed lightly, would go well with the rich flavors of the pasta dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve the pasta alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The smoky flavor of the grilled vegetables pairs beautifully with the tangy balsamic sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. Plus, it adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
- Pair dry red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese with balsamic vinegar and rosemary for better flavor enhancement. Alternatively, a white wine like Pinot Grigio would also work well.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Penne with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar
Creating the perfect penne dish is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for this dish. The taste of the vinegar is crucial. It is worth investing in a good quality vinegar. Look for a balsamic vinegar aged for several years for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
- Fresh rosemary tastes better, but you can use dried rosemary if you need to. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need to use less—about one-third of the amount of fresh rosemary.
- If your balsamic vinegar is very acidic, add more broth or a little sugar to balance the flavors of the sauce. Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust as needed.
- Pasta Cooking Water: The reserved pasta cooking water is rich in starch, which helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. Add it gradually to the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.
Nutritional Information
One serving of penne with rosemary and balsamic vinegar has certain nutritional values. These values are based on a total of four servings.
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
Variations and Substitutions
Penne with rosemary and balsamic vinegar is a versatile recipe. You can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Adjust the recipe to your liking.
Make it work for you, no matter your preferences or restrictions. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Add protein to your meal. You can use grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage. These options will add extra flavor and substance. Cook the protein separately and add it to the pasta along with the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian meal, you can add more vegetables to the dish. Roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach would all work well with the balsamic and rosemary flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta if you’re following a gluten-free diet. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so this substitution is easy to make.
- Make sauce creamier by adding heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking. Just stir in a tablespoon or two. This will add richness to the dish, balancing the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
- You can use different herbs in this recipe. Besides rosemary, try thyme, sage, or basil for a new flavor.
Common Questions About Penne with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, cook the pasta fresh, and then combine them as instructed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
You can store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
3. What can I use if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary. Use one-third of the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more potent. Alternatively, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like thyme or sage.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the sauce by itself. However, it’s not a good idea to freeze the entire pasta dish. The pasta may become mushy when you reheat it. If you do freeze the sauce, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. What type of balsamic vinegar should I use?
To achieve the best flavor, use a high-quality balsamic vinegar that has aged for several years. These vinegars are thicker, sweeter, and more complex in flavor. Avoid using balsamic vinegar that is overly acidic or thin.
Conclusion
Penne with rosemary and balsamic vinegar is a dish that beautifully combines simplicity with sophistication. Fresh rosemary and balsamic vinegar make a tasty sauce that is rich and flavorful, with a nice earthy and sweet taste. This dish is great for people who enjoy quality food but also want an easy meal that doesn’t need many ingredients.
Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. This blog offers steps and tips to help you make a tasty pasta dish suitable for any event.