Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making sauce
- Whisk
- Colander for draining pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled goat cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the pasta and serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for making the sauce
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 840mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted with 2% or skim milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Penne pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta shape.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for added protein.
- Substitute the goat cheese with feta cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the pasta to use in the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta to the recommended time to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Food History:
- Penne al Formaggio di Capra is a traditional Italian pasta dish that originated in the Campania region of Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, and savory
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pasta hot as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian