Tri color penne is a type of pasta that consists of penne rigate pasta noodles in three colors: green, red, and yellow. The different colors come from spinach, tomato, and egg used in the dough. Tri color penne has a delicious mild flavor and visual appeal from the colorful noodles. But how long does it actually take to cook tri color penne to al dente perfection? Let’s take a deep dive into understanding cooking times for tri color penne.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that tri color penne takes 9-11 minutes to cook to an al dente texture according to package instructions. Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when bitten. The cooking time can vary slightly based on a few factors.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
To understand how long tri color penne takes to cook, let’s walk through the detailed steps for cooking tri color penne:
Step 1: Bring a Large Pot of Water to a Boil
The first step is to fill a large pot with water, at least 6 quarts of water for every 1 pound of dried tri color penne. Make sure the pot is large enough to allow the pasta room to move freely while cooking. Heat the water over high heat and bring it to a vigorous rolling boil.
Step 2: Salt the Water
Once the water reaches a boil, add 2 tablespoons of salt to the pot. The salt helps season and raise the boiling point of the water so it cooks the pasta more evenly.
Step 3: Add the Tri Color Penne
Carefully add the dry tri color penne to the boiling salted water. Pour it in steadily so the water continues boiling. Give the pasta a quick stir to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook Until Al Dente
Cooking time starts as soon as the pasta is added to the boiling water. Cook the tri color penne uncovered, at a constant rolling boil. Follow the time listed on the package, which is usually 9-11 minutes for al dente tri color penne.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Test for doneness before draining. The pasta should be cooked through but still have a little bite. It will finish cooking and become softer as it’s sauced.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Drain the tri color penne into a colander in the sink. Avoid overcooking, as tri color penne can become mushy if cooked too long. The drained pasta can then be tossed with your favorite sauce and enjoyed right away. Buon appetito!
What Factors Affect Cooking Time?
The cooking time for tri color penne can vary slightly depending on a few factors:
Type of Pasta
– Standard tri color penne takes 9-11 minutes to cook.
– Smaller penne or mini penne may take 1-2 minutes less.
– Larger rigatoni pasta shapes may take 1-2 minutes longer.
Amount of Pasta
– The more pasta in the pot, the longer it takes to come back to a rolling boil which extends cooking time.
– For 1 pound of pasta allow 9-11 minutes.
– But cooking 2 pounds of pasta may take an extra 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Equipment
– Pasta cooked in a 6 quart pot of boiling water will cook faster than a crowded 3 quart pot.
– Use at least 6 quarts of water per 1 pound of pasta for fastest cooking.
– A heavy pot also recovers to a boil quicker than thin pots.
Strength of Boil
– A vigorous rolling boil cooks pasta faster than a light simmer.
– Keep the heat high to maintain a constant boil for fastest cooking.
– Adding too much pasta can lower the water temperature and slow cooking.
Altitude
– Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes due to lower air pressure.
– For every 500 feet above sea level, add about 30 seconds to the cooking time.
– Cities like Denver at 5,280 feet may need over 2 extra minutes.
Salt Content
– Heavily salted pasta water can increase the boiling point of the water, speeding up cooking time slightly. But don’t over-salt.
– The recommended 2 tablespoons of salt helps pasta cook more evenly without making it salty.
How to Tell When Tri Color Penne is Done
Here are some ways to test tri color penne for doneness while cooking:
Texture
– Cook to al dente, tender but with a slight bite at the center when tasted.
– If it’s mushy, it’s overcooked. If it’s hard, it needs more time.
Look
– The pasta should no longer have an opaque center when cut.
– But it shouldn’t look soggy either.
Taste
– Taste a piece to check if the texture is right. The flavor should be cooked through but not soft.
– If it’s crunchy or hard at the core, it needs more time.
Time
– Start testing 1 minute before the cooking time is up.
– Let it boil the full recommended time for type and amount.
– Allow extra time for larger amounts or higher altitudes.
Common Mistakes
Some common mistakes can lead to improperly cooked tri color penne. Here’s what to avoid:
Undercooking
– Not boiling the pasta long enough can leave it crunchy in the middle. Follow package directions for time.
Overcooking
– Boiling pasta too long can make it mushy and lead to sticking together. Remove from heat immediately when done.
Not Enough Water
– Too little water prevents the pasta from moving freely and slows down cooking. Use 6 quarts per 1 pound.
Getting Distracted
– Set a timer and stay attentive while pasta is cooking. It can overcook quickly if not watched. Don’t walk away.
Not Stirring
– Occasional gentle stirring prevents pasta from sticking together in the pot.
Cooling the Water
– Don’t let too much heat escape by uncovered pots. Keep lid off but recover with lid between stirrings.
Cooking at Low Temps
– A slow simmer makes for uneven cooking. Maintain a constant rolling boil.
Tips for Cooking Tri Color Penne
Here are some handy tips for perfectly cooked tri color penne every time:
– Use a large pot, at least 6 quarts water per 1 pound pasta.
– Add salt, about 2 tablespoons per 6 quarts water.
– Cook at a vigorous boil over high heat.
– Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
– Set a timer and taste test regularly.
– Allow extra time for higher elevations.
– Don’t rinse after draining – sauce while hot.
– Look for visual cues of doneness like texture.
– For more robust flavor, cook pasta in broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Tri color penne is extremely versatile pasta for all kinds of dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
Pasta Salad
Chill cooked tri color penne and toss with chopped vegetables, mozzarella, olives, artichokes, and Italian dressing.
Pasta with Pesto
Toss hot drained penne with basil pesto, olive oil, and Parmigiano. Top with toasted pine nuts.
Pasta with Meat Sauce
Simmer tri color penne in a rich tomato or Bolognese meat sauce finished with a dash of cream.
Mac and Cheese
Bake tri color penne with a cheesy mornay sauce topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
Primavera Pasta
Sauté vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and broccoli, then add to penne with garlic, olive oil, cheese, and fresh herbs.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutrition information for 1 cup (2.5oz) of cooked tri color penne without added salt or fat:
| Calories | 174 |
| Total Fat | 0.7g |
| Sodium | 1mg |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Protein | 6g |
Tri color penne is lower in fat and calories than many types of pasta. The main nutrients are complex carbohydrates and some protein. Be careful of added fats like oil or cheeses that can increase the calories per serving.
Conclusion
Tri color penne is a fun and tasty pasta variety perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. While cooking times vary, tri color penne generally takes 9-11 minutes to reach the ideal tender yet toothsome al dente texture. For foolproof pasta, use plenty of boiling salted water, stir occasionally, and test for doneness. Drain immediately and add your favorite sauces. Pair tri color penne with healthy vegetables, proteins, olive oil, and spices for delicious pasta possibilities. Now that you know exactly how long tri color penne takes to cook, you can perfectly time your meals. Enjoy the bright colors and flavors of tri color penne!