A delicious Italian favorite, al dente penne is served with a savory tomato-based sauce, seasoned with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, creating a mouthwatering combination that never fails to please. A simple and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion.
What is Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce?
Penne pasta with tomato sauce is a classic Italian dish that consists of penne pasta, a type of short, cylindrical pasta, served with a tomato-based sauce. It is a popular and simple dish that can be found in Italian restaurants worldwide.
To prepare penne pasta with tomato sauce, the penne pasta is first boiled until it reaches a tender but slightly firm texture, commonly referred to as “al dente.” The pasta is then drained, and a tomato sauce is made separately. The tomato sauce includes ingredients like canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat. The sauce is simmered to allow the flavors to meld.
What do i need to make this?
Penne Pasta: Penne is a type of short, tube-shaped pasta with ridges, and it’s a great choice for this dish because its shape allows it to hold the tomato sauce well.
Canned Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are the primary ingredient for creating the tomato sauce. They offer a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce. The canned variety is commonly used as they are readily available and consistent in flavor throughout the year, making it easy to prepare this dish any time.
Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the cooking fat. It is used to sauté the garlic.
Basil Leaf: Basil is an aromatic herb that adds a fresh and herbal note to the tomato sauce. When stirred into the sauce just before serving, it imparts a delightful fragrance and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: The crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of spiciness and heat to the tomato sauce. This ingredient is optional and can be adjusted to suit individual preferences for spiciness.
Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a slightly sweet and tangy flavor to the tomato sauce. It complements the natural acidity of the tomatoes and helps balance the overall taste of the sauce.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is used to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar and brings a subtle sweetness to the sauce. It helps create a well-balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
Garlic: Garlic is a fundamental aromatic in many Italian dishes. When sautéed in olive oil, it releases its rich, pungent aroma and infuses the oil with its flavor, becoming the base for the tomato sauce.
serving suggestions
This pasta dish can be served with some basil leaves to garnish it, topped with some cheese (like parmesan) or with crushed red pepper flakes for some more heat. It can be served alongside a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up all the leftover sauce.
Penne pasta with tomato sauce
Serves: 4
Ready in: 20 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 8oz of penna pasta
For the sauce
- 1 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes, blended
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- 1 basil leaf
Method
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Boil the pasta per package instructions. Meanwhile, make the sauce.
Prepare the sauce
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and pour in the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add in the crushed red pepper flakes and grated garlic, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn. After about 1 minute, pour in the blended tomatoes.
Step 3
Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the vinegar, salt, and brown sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4
After the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, tear the basil leaf and add it to the sauce. Remove from the heat.
Step 5
Drain the pasta and pour in the sauce. Stir to combine, making sure each pasta noodle is evenly coated.
Delicious Defined 
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