ItalianMedium · Hot
Sweet caramelized pineapple meets silky cream and fermented chili heat in this rebellious pasta. One taste and Nonna will forgive you — probably.
10 min
20 min
30 min
Method
Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with the pineapple. Add sour cream and sriracha — this is your creme fraiche situation, Viola-style. Simmer 2 minutes until sauce coats a spoon. Season with black pepper.
Add drained penne directly to the skillet. Toss vigorously, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until you achieve a glossy, sauce-clinging result. This emulsification is non-negotiable — it takes about 90 seconds of confident tossing.
Nutri-Score
Needs balance
A–E · lower is better · score 14
Calories
773
per serving
Protein
23g
Carbs
88g
Fat
37g
Sat. fat
19g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
15g
Sodium
2068mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Moderate impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
1.1
per serving
Water
0.2m³
Land
45Pt
Runoff
0.1g P
Parmesan, finely grated drives 42% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
FryingpanTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for pineapple preparation to prevent cross-contact with allergen-free items if serving to sensitive individuals.
Cooking Temperature
Pineapple caramelization requires medium-high heat with butter; do not reduce heat significantly as proper Maillard reaction depends on adequate temperature.
High Risk Population
This dish contains dairy and gluten. For immunocompromised individuals, young children, or elderly, ensure all dairy products are pasteurized and pasta is cooked to proper temperature.
This recipe contains 580mg sodium per serving. For individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular concerns (listed healthConditions), consider reducing salt to 1/2 tbsp or less and omitting additional parmesan seasoning to lower sodium content.
Allergen Warning
Sriracha sauce varies by brand - some contain fish sauce which may not be obvious to consumers. Always check the specific product label or use a known fish-free brand if cooking for those with fish allergies.
Handling
When adding pasta water to emulsify sauce, add incrementally while tossing vigorously. Rushing this step can cause sauce separation and hot liquid splatter.
Storage
Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. The dairy-based sauce makes this dish perishable. Consume within 2-3 days.
Shelf Life
Dairy-based pasta sauces have limited shelf life. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours total including serving time.
Pro Tips
Technique
That pasta water is not negotiable, tesoro — it is liquid gold. The starch transforms the sauce into something clinging and glossy. Pour it in gradually while tossing with confidence, not caution.
Substitution
No fresh pineapple? Canned works in a pinch, just drain it very well and pat dry before caramelizing, or you will fight steaming instead of searing.
Flavor Boost
Add a tablespoon of butter off heat after the parmesan — this is called mounting, and it makes the sauce impossibly silky.
From the chef
Pineapple has no business being in pasta, and that is exactly why it belongs here. You caramelize the cubes until the edges go deep gold and almost jammy, then pull them into a silky cream sauce that already has sriracha in it, which is already a crime against tradition. Toss in al dente penne, add pasta water until every ridge is coated in glossy, spicy, sweet-acidic cream, and finish with parmesan and torn basil. The sweet-salty collision is the whole point — not an accident, a deliberate argument. Make it once and the commentary becomes irrelevant.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026