Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting yet lightning-fast pasta dish, you’re in for a treat with this Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that I love because it’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor—perfect for any night when you want dinner on the table without fuss. Plus, the vibrant fresh basil really takes it up a notch, making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through how to make this fan-freaking-tastic meal happen effortlessly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully because they bring out the natural sweetness of tomatoes while enriching the dish with fresh herbs and garlic. When shopping, try to pick the freshest basil you can find—it makes all the difference in taste.

• Penne Pasta: Choose good-quality penne; it holds the sauce well thanks to its tube shape.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor, as it forms the base of your sauce.
• Garlic: Finely chopped to release its aroma and flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Pureed Tomatoes (Passata): A smooth tomato base that keeps things simple but packed with flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the sauce with a subtle earthiness.
• Fresh Basil: The star herb that infuses the sauce with its sweet, slightly peppery note.
• Dried Oregano: Complements the fresh herbs and adds an Italian classic touch.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Optional but highly recommended for that savory, cheesy finish.

Variations

I love playing around with this Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or freezer. Feel free to tweak it to your mood or dietary needs; it’s a wonderfully flexible dish!

• Adding Protein: I once tossed in some shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick boost—my family went crazy for the extra heartiness.
• Vegetarian Upgrade: Roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini add a lovely sweetness and texture.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce brings a lovely warmth that I sometimes crave.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne, and you get the same delicious results—no compromise on taste!

How to Make Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Perfect Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt is your secret weapon here—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the penne and cook it until just al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it tender but still with a slight bite because it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the timer, and don’t forget to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic along with the fresh parsley, basil, and dried oregano. Sauté just until the garlic is fragrant and golden—you’ll notice that wonderful aroma fill your kitchen. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much; burnt garlic brings bitterness that you want to avoid.

Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Next, add the pureed tomatoes (passata) and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine, then lower the heat and let the sauce gently simmer. This step brings out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes while thickening the sauce slightly. As the sauce simmers, taste it and adjust seasoning if necessary—you can add a pinch of salt or a touch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic. This simmer should last about as long as your pasta cooks, around 8 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

When the penne is al dente, reserve about a cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid works wonders to bring your sauce together. Drain the rest of the pasta, then add it directly into your skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss or stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated lovingly in the sauce. If the sauce feels thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it just a bit and help emulsify everything. Finally, fold in some freshly chopped basil leaves for that perfect fresh finish. It’s magic on a plate!

How to Serve Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra basil leaves on top. The cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast that’s irresistible, and those basil leaves just give the dish an inviting pop of vibrant green color.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this dish usually include a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread. It balances the meal perfectly and adds great texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a simple touch that makes it feel a little more upscale—and my guests always ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Just remember the sauce thickens overnight, so you might need to add a splash of water or olive oil when reheating.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze this pasta very often because it’s so fast to make fresh, I’ve had success freezing just the sauce on its own. It freezes well in portioned containers and thaws quickly—great for last-minute meals.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the pasta from drying out and helps retain that fresh tomato flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe has become a staple for me because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The freshness of the herbs combined with the simplicity of the tomato sauce is a true winner time and time again. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do—whether it’s a weeknight meal to warm you up or a quick dish to impress friends, it’s got you covered. Grab your freshest basil, and let’s get cooking!

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