Description
Penne Pomodoro is a simple and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring al dente penne tossed in a fresh tomato sauce made from pureed tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 4 cups penne pasta (400g/14oz)
Sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1.5 cups pureed tomatoes, passata (350g)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (tomato purée UK)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For Garnish
- Freshly grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic, fresh parsley, fresh basil, and dried oregano; sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Stir in pureed tomatoes (passata) and tomato paste into the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 8 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the pasta. Add drained penne to the simmering sauce in the skillet.
- Toss to Coat: Toss or stir the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to emulsify and loosen the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and easy tomato pasta perfect for busy weeknights or when time is limited.
- Using fresh herbs enhances the flavor and freshness of the dish.
- Reserving pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings well to the pasta.
- Parmesan garnish is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 63 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 84 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
