Description
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente penne pasta tossed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances rich flavors with a smooth, velvety texture that’s sure to satisfy every pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Extra fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- To keep the dish vegetarian, ensure your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.
- For added protein, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, less rich sauce.