Description
This classic penne pasta recipe features perfectly cooked tube pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant. Simple ingredients, incredible flavor, and foolproof results every time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water (for thinning sauce)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 11-13 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss together over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and half of the parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with remaining parmesan.
Notes
- Pasta water is key: The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a silky texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust consistency: Add more pasta water for a thinner sauce, or simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
- Fresh tomatoes option: Use 2 pounds fresh tomatoes (peeled and diced) in summer for a brighter flavor. Cook 5 minutes longer to break down.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons butter for a richer sauce.
- Add protein: Cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp make great additions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: penne pasta, easy pasta recipe, tomato sauce pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, penne rigate, 30 minute meals, simple pasta