Craving an authentic Italian pasta dish that'll transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany? Look no further than this mouthwatering Penne with Fresh Tomato Sauce – a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that proves gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should be as salty as seawater to properly season the pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the fresh tomatoes by washing them thoroughly and dicing them into small, uniform cubes. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic, which can make it bitter.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the tomatoes simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until they break down and form a light sauce.
- Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring to incorporate.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for garnish if desired.
Tips
- • Salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like seawater to properly season your pasta from the inside out. • Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the most vibrant sauce flavor. If possible, choose vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes. • Be gentle when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter. • Reserve some pasta water before draining – its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the pasta at its peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
