Tomato Basil Penne Pasta: A Simple and Delicious Italian Classic

Tomato Basil Penne Pasta is a quintessential Italian dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a simple yet impressive meal to serve guests. The combination of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked penne pasta creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The use of fresh tomatoes and basil elevates this dish from simple to sublime.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves pasta, and this tomato basil version is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound (450g). Penne is the classic choice, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Fresh Tomatoes: 2 pounds (900g), ripe and juicy. Roma tomatoes are a good choice, but you can also use other varieties like San Marzano or heirloom tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil: 1 cup, packed. The more basil, the better!
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, extra virgin.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. This adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a touch of heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: For grating (optional).
• Fresh Mozzarella: Optional, for topping and adding creaminess.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Colander
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Garlic press (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Tomato Basil Penne Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the tomatoes. There are a few ways to do this:
   • Method 1 (Quickest): Roughly chop the tomatoes. This will result in a chunkier sauce.
   • Method 2 (For a Smoother Sauce): Core the tomatoes and score a shallow ‘X’ on the bottom of each. Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should peel off easily. Chop the peeled tomatoes.
   • Method 3 (Using Canned Tomatoes): If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed or diced tomatoes. Reduce the cooking time slightly, as canned tomatoes are already cooked. San Marzano canned tomatoes are highly recommended for the best flavor.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This will deepen the flavor of the sauce.
5. Add the Tomatoes: Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
6. Add the Basil: Stir in the fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking. Reserve a few basil leaves for garnish.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
8. Serve: Serve the Tomato Basil Penne Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. You can also add a dollop of fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Penne Pasta

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and good-quality olive oil.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm and slightly chewy. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unappetizing.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Seasoning is key to a delicious sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your liking.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Pasta water is a valuable ingredient that can help to thicken and emulsify the sauce. The starch in the pasta water binds the sauce to the pasta, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the garlic, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the garlic from browning properly.
• Fresh Basil is Essential: Dried basil simply cannot compare to the flavor of fresh basil. Use plenty of fresh basil for the best flavor. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its fresh aroma.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• Serve Immediately: Pasta is best served immediately, while it’s still hot and the sauce is still clinging to the noodles.

Variations and Additions

This Tomato Basil Penne Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:

• Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or ground beef for a heartier meal. Brown the protein in the skillet before adding the garlic.
• Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic.
• Add Cheese: Add other cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, or goat cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Stir the cheese into the sauce or sprinkle it on top before serving.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. This will add a layer of complexity to the sauce.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated burst of tomato flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato Basil Penne Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side.
• Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad, made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, complements the flavors of the pasta perfectly.
• Grilled Chicken or Fish: Grilled chicken or fish adds a protein boost to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftover Tomato Basil Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 400-500
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil? While fresh basil is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every 1 tablespoon of fresh basil.
2. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available. Use 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed or diced tomatoes. San Marzano canned tomatoes are highly recommended for the best flavor. Reduce the cooking time slightly, as canned tomatoes are already cooked.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can make the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the pasta just before serving.
4. Can I freeze this recipe? While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the pasta may change slightly. If you do freeze it, make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free penne pasta.
6. How can I make this recipe vegan? Omit the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella. You can also use nutritional yeast as a vegan Parmesan substitute.
7. What if I don’t have penne pasta? You can use any short pasta shape, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
8. My sauce is too acidic. What can I do? Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity.
9. My sauce is too bland. What can I do? Add more salt, pepper, garlic, or red pepper flakes. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
10. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together? Make sure to use plenty of salted water when cooking the pasta. Don’t overcook the pasta. And add the pasta to the sauce immediately after draining. If the pasta starts to stick together, add a little olive oil or pasta water.

Conclusion

Tomato Basil Penne Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!

Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Tomato Basil Penne Pasta recipe! Buon appetito!