Description
Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring penne tossed in a simple yet vibrant sauce of blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. It’s comforting, quick to make, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Penne pasta
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Olive oil
Garlic
Fresh basil
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until blistered and juicy, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Lightly mash some tomatoes.
5. Add pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Stir in fresh basil and finish with grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality olive oil and ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
Add grilled chicken or white beans for extra protein.
Best served hot with fresh basil and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
Keywords: penne pomodoro, easy pasta, vegetarian dinner