Penne al Baffo Recipe
This Penne al Baffo is an Italian pasta dish which best describes the Italian cuisine, very casual at the same time so flavorful and delicious.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Origin of Penne al Baffo
Penne al Baffo is an Italian dish made with penne pasta with ham and cream and a tomato or tomato paste brings the flavor. Some may add parmesan cheese to the dish to give it a cheesy taste. This can be your go-to dish since it can be served shortly yet still serves you a delicious penne pasta dish. You are just few steps away to serving an amazing lunch to your family and guests.
It is believed that the name of the dish came from Italian expression da leccarsi i baffi which means “mouth-watering”. And I couldn’t agree more, the flavorful sauce which best compliments with the penne pasta, it is indeed da leccarsi i baffi.
When is Penne al Baffo Typically Served?
Penne al Baffo is typically served as quick snack or lunch by many Italians. However, it is also ideal for a family dinner. This can be a good first course in a meal because of its sweet and creamy sauce. It can be served during special occasions like a nice family gathering or a backyard party.
Kitchen Utensils You Need
Penne al Baffo is quick and easy to make. You just need the help of the following kitchen tools and equipment:
- Cooking pot
- Spatula
- Strainer
- Frying pan
- Plates
- Serving bowl
Penne al Baffo’s Primary Ingredients – Penne Pasta and Cream Sauce.
Penne al Baffo’s main ingredients are the Penne pasta and cream sauce. They are just available in any supermarkets or malls. Penne pasta is a cylindrical shaped pasta with an angle cut at the end. The word Penne is a plural form of an Italian word Penna which means pen, which you can reflect by the shape of the penne pasta. Penne is traditionally paired with cream sauce or tomato sauce since it completely absorbs the sauce which makes it flavorful in every bite.
The cream sauce on the other hand is made of all-purpose cream, ham and tomato paste. It is very easy to make, and it is the best pair of the penne pasta. It is made by Frying the string-sliced ham and simmering the cream over low heat but don’t let it boil. Add with tomato paste which give it a good flavor that is absorbed by the al dente penne pasta that serves you a delightful dish.
Interesting Facts
- An average Italian eats 60 pounds of pasta per year.
- Though penne pasta has been one of the most popular pastas in Italy and in the whole world for such a long time already, this pasta however has an exact date of birth - on March 11, 1865.
- Penne pasta was originated in Liguria, in western part of Italy.
Tips and Tricks when Making Penne al Baffo
- Penne pasta may be the primary pasta used in making Penne al Baffo, but you can try to be more experimenting by trying out other kinds of pasta, by whichever you think compliments with the cream sauce. Afterall, a pasta is a pasta!
- You can spice up Penne al Baffo however you like by adding ingredients like shrimp, spices like chili flakes or whatever you think adds a better taste to the dish.
- In this recipe, I used tomato paste. But if you prefer, you can use fresh tomatoes to the cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 5 slices good quality ham, slice into strips
- Cooking oil
- 300g cream
- 300g Penne pasta
- Parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
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Cook the penne pasta in a boiling water with salt and oil. Let boil and cook in al dente. Remove from heat and drain then set aside.
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Heat a frying pan and put some oil. Add the slices of ham and cook for 1 minute.
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Pour in the cream and tomato paste. Cook and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Finally put your penne pasta and sprinkle some chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Now you can prepare an amazingly delicious dish ready in just 20 minutes. Penne al Baffo is a dish perfect for a quick lunch or can be served if you have surprise guests at home. It is indeed a good treat to your family and guests which feels like they are in an Italian table being served with the best and creamy Italian Penne al Baffo. Good chat with good companions with a flavorful good food makes up for a great day!