Creamy Penne Alfredo Delight
Indulge in the creamy goodness of our Creamy Penne Alfredo Delight! This recipe is not just a 30-minute meal; it's a customizable canvas where you can create your perfect dish. With a rich, flavorful Alfredo sauce enveloping al dente penne pasta, and a medley of your favorite cheeses melting into the mix, every bite is a comforting hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a vegetarian version or want to add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or cubed ham, the possibilities are endless. You can also sneak in some greens with broccoli or bell peppers, making it a nutritious treat for the whole family. Quick to prepare, delightful to eat, and teeming with options - this dish truly checks all the boxes!
6
Servings
417
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
8 ounces (cooked al dente)
alfredo sauce
1 jar (16 ounces) (store-bought)
assorted cheese
8 ounces (shredded (cheddar, Monterey jack, Swiss or similar))
salt
to taste ( seasoning)
pepper
to taste ( seasoning)
optional add-ins
varies ( cooked chicken, broccoli, ham, shrimp, or roasted veggies)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking your pasta of choice in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot pasta with the Alfredo sauce and assorted cheeses. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the cheese begins to melt.
3
3. If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
4
4. For added flavor, mix in your choice of extras such as grilled chicken, sautéed broccoli, roasted veggies, or even a crispy breadcrumb topping before serving.
5
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot. Enjoy your Creamy Penne Alfredo Delight!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Penne Alfredo Delight?
It is a quick and customizable pasta dish featuring penne, Alfredo sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is designed as a 30-minute meal, making it perfect for quick dinners.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The core ingredients include penne pasta, a jar of Alfredo sauce, assorted shredded cheeses, salt, and pepper.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of penne pasta cooked al dente.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one 16-ounce jar of store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience.
What types of cheese work best for this dish?
A mix of 8 ounces of shredded cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss is recommended.
How do I cook the pasta for this recipe?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it is al dente, then drain it before mixing with the sauce.
Is there a baked version of this Alfredo recipe?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or cubed ham.
What vegetables can I add?
Sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, or roasted vegetables are excellent additions to this meal.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The base recipe is vegetarian, provided you do not add meat proteins like chicken or ham.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 417 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 15 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes, adding a crispy breadcrumb topping before serving or baking is a suggested variation.
How should I season the final dish?
Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Begin by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
How do I combine the ingredients?
In a large mixing bowl, stir the hot pasta with the Alfredo sauce and shredded cheeses until coated.
What temperature should the oven be for the baked version?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How do I know when the baked version is done?
It is ready when the cheese on top is golden and the sauce is bubbly, usually after 15-20 minutes.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
The recipe does not specify rinsing; simply drain the pasta and combine it with the sauce while hot.
Is this dish easy to customize?
Yes, it is described as a 'customizable canvas' with endless possibilities for add-ins.
Can children enjoy this meal?
Yes, it is a family-friendly dish that is delightful to eat and allows for sneaking in extra vegetables.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich, flavorful, and creamy, enveloping the penne pasta.
Should I use a specific type of mixing bowl?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, alfredo, cheese, one dish meal, quick meal, comfort food, and easy dinner.
Can I use different types of pasta shapes?
While penne is the default, the instructions mention you can use your 'pasta of choice'.
Should this dish be served hot?
Yes, it is best served hot to enjoy the melted cheese and creamy sauce.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar details?
No, fiber and sugar content are not provided in the nutritional data for this recipe.