Fast & Creamy Tomato Penne: A Weeknight Dinner Dream

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner that you can whip up in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Fast & Creamy Tomato Penne recipe! This dish is a weeknight superhero, perfect for those busy evenings when you need a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly option as well. We’ll explore variations, helpful tips, and answer all your burning questions about creating the perfect creamy tomato penne. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Penne

* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish is ready in about 25-30 minutes.
* **Simple Ingredients:** Uses pantry staples like canned tomatoes, pasta, and cream cheese.
* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The creamy tomato sauce is rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and spices.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Made with affordable ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **1 pound penne pasta:** Penne is the classic choice, but you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bowties), or rigatoni.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Adds flavor and helps the garlic and onion to sauté nicely.
* **1 small yellow onion, finely chopped:** Provides a savory base for the sauce.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes:** Forms the base of the tomato sauce. Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
* **1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce:** Enhances the tomato flavor and helps create a smoother sauce.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano:** Adds an earthy and slightly sweet flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried basil:** Complements the oregano and adds a touch of sweetness.
* **1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional):** Adds a subtle kick of heat. Adjust to your preference.
* **4 ounces cream cheese, softened:** This is the key ingredient for creating the creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty, savory, and nutty flavor to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional):** Adds a pop of freshness and color.
* **Salt and black pepper to taste:** Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of the sauce.
* **1 cup pasta water:** Reserved starchy water from cooking pasta; helps emulsify sauce and bind it to pasta. This is a *must*.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the most delicious creamy tomato penne:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the pasta water is essential for flavoring the pasta itself.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian; the pasta should be firm but cooked through.
3. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is crucial for creating a creamy and emulsified sauce. Set it aside.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce**

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic.
2. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). If you are using fresh herbs, add them later in the process to preserve their flavor.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is also salty, so don’t over-salt at this stage.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

**Step 4: Make it Creamy**

1. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the sauce. Ensure the cream cheese is very soft, at room temperature, to incorporate smoothly.
2. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.

**Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce**

1. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce.
2. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in the luscious sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and create a beautiful emulsion that clings to the pasta.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Serve the creamy tomato penne immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped basil (if using) and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
3. Enjoy your delicious and easy weeknight meal!

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tomato Penne

* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Al dente pasta is key for the best texture.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
* **Don’t skip the pasta water:** This is essential for creating a creamy and emulsified sauce.
* **Soften the cream cheese:** Softened cream cheese melts more easily and creates a smoother sauce.
* **Taste and adjust the seasoning:** Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of the sauce. Taste and adjust as needed.
* **Add a touch of acidity:** If the sauce tastes too heavy, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten it up.
* **Make it your own:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and spices.

Variations and Add-Ins

This creamy tomato penne recipe is a great base for customization. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

* **Add vegetables:** Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli are all great additions. Add them to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
* **Add protein:** Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, ground beef, shrimp, or tofu can be added to the sauce. If using cooked protein, add it towards the end to heat through.
* **Spice it up:** Add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Add herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the sauce for extra flavor. Add them towards the end to preserve their flavor.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
* **Make it vegan:** Use plant-based cream cheese and Parmesan cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.
* **Add sun-dried tomatoes:** These add a concentrated burst of tomato flavor. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped.
* **Add pesto:** A spoonful or two of pesto stirred into the sauce adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
* **Bake it:** Transfer the pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown for a baked penne dish.
* **Use different cheese:** Try using ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, or fontina cheese for a different creamy texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato penne is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* **Garlic bread:** For soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* **Side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Grilled chicken or fish:** For a more substantial meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

* **Sauce:** The tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before adding the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.
* **Pasta:** Cooked pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Reheat before adding to the sauce. Note that freshly cooked pasta will always be superior, but in a pinch, this can save you time.

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover creamy tomato penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. The sauce will continue to thicken upon refrigeration, so adding some liquid is beneficial upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use a different type of pasta?**

Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bowties), or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?**

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Peel, seed, and chop them before adding them to the sauce. You may also need to cook the sauce for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
* **Can I use low-fat cream cheese?**

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the sauce may not be as creamy.
* **Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the package directions for cooking time.
* **Can I freeze this recipe?**

It is not recommended to freeze this recipe, as the cream cheese may change texture and become grainy upon thawing. However, the tomato sauce can be frozen separately.
* **What if my sauce is too thick?**

Add more pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, add some milk or cream.
* **What if my sauce is too thin?**

Continue to simmer the sauce, uncovered, until it reduces to your desired thickness. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken it. Add the slurry gradually, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Enjoy Your Creamy Tomato Penne!

This Fast & Creamy Tomato Penne recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and customizable. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Bon appétit!