Penne with caramelized pineapple

Name: Penne with caramelized pineapple - Lucia I.
Ingredients: 250 g penne pasta Baneasa; 1 can of pineapple; 250 ml cooking cream; 4 heaping tablespoons of brown sugar + 1 extra tablespoon; butter

Pasta/Pizza - Penne with caramelized pineapple by Lucia I. - Recipia

Caramelized Pineapple Penne I first made penne with caramelized pineapple out of curiosity, using a can of pineapple I had lying around for a while. It didn't seem complicated at all, and the combination of pasta and pineapple was unexpectedly well-balanced. The caramel sauce with cream adds a pleasant flavor, and the pasta doesn't become too sweet. It's a quick dessert or even a light meal, especially when you want something different without too much effort. Quick Info Total Time: about 40-45 minutes Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking/Baking Time: 30-35 minutes Servings: 4 Difficulty: easy Recipe Type: quick dessert or baked snack Ingredients 250 g penne (I used Baneasa, but any type of penne works) 1 can of pineapple (in its own juice or syrup) 250 ml cooking cream 4 heaping tablespoons of brown sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on top) a little butter (for greasing the baking dish) Instructions 1. Cook the pasta. Open the can of pineapple and drain the pineapple, but keep the syrup. Bring water to a boil, and when it starts boiling, add the syrup from the can. Cook the penne in this mixture according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. 2. Prepare the caramel. Place the 4 tablespoons of brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it melt slowly without stirring at first. When it starts to melt around the edges, you can gently swirl the pan. Once all the sugar is liquid, slowly pour in the cooking cream in a thin stream. Keep stirring until the caramel is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. Take your time with this step; if needed, keep the heat low and stir until the sauce is smooth. 3. Cut the pineapple. Remove the rings or pieces of pineapple from the can and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Add them directly to the caramel cream sauce once it has homogenized. 4. Simmer the pineapple sauce. Keep the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. The pineapple will soften and soak up the sauce. 5. Mix the pasta with the sauce. Pour the drained penne over the caramelized pineapple sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta well. 6. Prepare for baking. Grease a baking dish with a little butter. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on top (this helps create a lightly caramelized crust on the surface). 7. Bake in the oven. Place the dish in the preheated oven at low heat (about 150-160°C) for 10-15 minutes. When the sugar on top starts to caramelize, you can take the dish out. 8. Serve. The pasta can be served warm or cold. They are good on their own, but optionally, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Why I Make This Recipe Often I choose to make penne with caramelized pineapple when I need a quick dessert with few ingredients or complicated steps. It works well both warm and cold, so there's no rush to serve it. It's perfect when you have unexpected guests or simply want something sweet but not too heavy. Tips and Variations Tips Don't leave the caramel unattended on the heat, or it will burn quickly and become bitter. If you see lumps forming in the caramel when adding the cream, keep the heat low and stir patiently; they will melt. Do not rinse the pasta after boiling, so the sauce adheres better to it. Use a baking dish that isn't too large, so the pasta stays in a not-too-thin layer. Substitutions If you don't have brown sugar, white sugar will work, although the caramel will have a simpler flavor. Cooking cream can be replaced with unsweetened liquid cream. If you don't have penne, any other short pasta shape (fusilli, rigatoni) will work just as well. Variations You can add a dash of cinnamon to the caramel if you want a different flavor. For a more intense taste, try caramelizing a few pieces of pineapple separately before adding them to the sauce. If you prefer less sweet desserts, reduce the amount of sugar to taste. Serving Ideas The pasta can be served warm right out of the oven or allowed to cool. They are good with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, especially in the summer. They are also fine on their own, particularly if you don't want a very sweet dessert. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? You can use fresh pineapple, but you won't have syrup to flavor the boiling water for the pasta. In this case, cook the pasta normally, and caramelize the fresh pineapple in the same way in the sauce. Can I use another type of pasta? Yes, any kind of short pasta works well. Avoid very thin or long pasta, as they may become too soft after baking. Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Pasta with caramelized pineapple can be made a few hours ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave, but the texture may change slightly. They are also good cold if you prefer. Can I use another sweetener instead of sugar? You can try using white sugar, but the caramel won't be as flavorful. Liquid sweeteners or syrups don't work for classic caramelization. Can I add nuts or other fruits? You can, but the basic recipe doesn't include them. If you want to experiment, you can sprinkle some chopped almonds or cashews on top before baking. Nutritional Values Values are approximate, for one serving out of four, without additional whipped cream or ice cream: Calories: approx. 350-380 kcal Carbohydrates: 65-70 g Protein: 7-9 g Fat: 6-8 g Pineapple and pasta provide most of the carbohydrates. The cream and butter supply the fat. Brown sugar increases the carbohydrate content. Values may vary depending on the brand of pasta and the amount of syrup in the can. Storage and Reheating Pasta with caramelized pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. If you want to reheat them, place them in the oven at low heat or a portion in the microwave. The texture becomes a bit softer after reheating, but the taste remains pleasant. If you didn't use whipped cream or ice cream, they keep quite well even cold. After more than 2 days, I wouldn't recommend keeping them.

Penne with caramelized pineapple

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