Penne al Baffo Recipe

Origin of Penne al Baffo

Penne al Baffo is an Italian dish made with penne pasta, ham, and cream, with tomato or tomato paste bringing 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 quickly yet still provides a delicious penne pasta dish. You are just a few steps away from serving an amazing lunch to your family and guests.

It is believed that the name of the dish came from the Italian expression da leccarsi i baffi, which means “mouth-watering.” And I couldn’t agree more; the flavorful sauce, which best complements the penne pasta, is indeed da leccarsi i baffi.

When is Penne al Baffo Typically Served?

Penne al Baffo is typically served as a 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 readily available in any supermarket or mall. Penne pasta is a cylindrical-shaped pasta with an angled cut at the end. The word Penne is the plural form of the Italian word Penna, which means pen, reflecting the shape of the penne pasta. Penne is traditionally paired with cream sauce or tomato sauce since it completely absorbs the sauce, making 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 is the best pair for 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 tomato paste, which gives it a good flavor that is absorbed by the al dente penne pasta, serving 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 the whole world for a long time, this pasta has an exact date of birth - March 11, 1865.
• Penne pasta originated in Liguria, in the western part of Italy.

Tips and Tricks when Making Penne al Baffo

• Experiment with Pasta: Penne pasta may be the primary pasta used in making Penne al Baffo, but you can experiment by trying out other kinds of pasta, whichever you think complements the cream sauce. After all, pasta is pasta!
• Add Ingredients: You can spice up Penne al Baffo however you like by adding ingredients like:
  • Shrimp
  • Spices like chili flakes
  • Any other ingredients you think add a better taste to the dish
• Tomato Options: In this recipe, I used tomato paste. But if you prefer, you can use fresh tomatoes in the cream sauce.

Penne al Baffo is a simple yet delicious dish that you can serve to your family and guests. It is a quick and easy dish that you can prepare in just a few minutes. The cream sauce and penne pasta are a perfect pair that will surely satisfy your taste buds. You can also add your twist to the dish by adding other ingredients that you think will complement the dish. Enjoy your Penne al Baffo!

Now you can prepare an amazingly delicious dish ready in just 20 minutes. Penne al Baffo is perfect for a quick lunch or can be served if you have surprise guests at home. It is indeed a good treat for your family and guests, making them feel like they are at an Italian table being served the best and creamiest Italian Penne al Baffo. Good conversation with good companions and flavorful food makes for a great day!