Imagine a mouthwatering pasta recipe that's not just delicious, but also incredibly nutritious and surprisingly simple to prepare. Our Whole Wheat Penne in Fresh Tomato Sauce is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! This Italian-inspired dish combines the hearty goodness of whole wheat pasta with the bright, vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil, creating a meal that's both satisfying and guilt-free.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of whole wheat penne, 4 cups of fresh tomatoes (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of fresh basil (chopped), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and Parmesan cheese for serving.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This will help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the whole wheat penne to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the fresh tomato sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 8-10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and create a sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- As the sauce simmers, season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help combine and create a silky sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh chopped basil, mixing well to incorporate.
- To serve, divide the whole wheat penne in fresh tomato sauce among four plates. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an additional sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy whole wheat penne in fresh tomato sauce!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the pasta.
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find for the most intense sauce flavor.
- Don't overcook the garlic - it should be fragrant and golden, not burnt and bitter.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
- For extra richness, add a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta in the sauce.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the most intense flavor and best texture.
- If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out perfectly.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or white beans to the dish.
- Let the pasta rest for a minute after tossing in the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
