Introduction to Penne Pomodoro

Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This dish features penne pasta coated in a rich and flavorful tomato and basil sauce. Unlike other recipes that require extensive preparation, penne pomodoro is straightforward and doesn’t involve complicated cooking techniques, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal in no time.

Ingredients and Initial Preparations

First and foremost, gather your ingredients: quality canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, olive oil, penne pasta, salt, and pepper. Start by filling a pot with water and place it over high heat to bring it to a boil. This initial step is crucial as the pasta will need to cook while the sauce is being prepared.

Preparing the Pomodoro Sauce

While waiting for your water to boil, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, stirring for 2-3 minutes until the onions begin to brown. Pour in the tomato sauce and season it with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it does not stick to the pan.

Cooking the Pasta and Combining

Once the water has boiled, add salt and the penne pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions. When the tomato sauce has thickened to your liking, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then turn off the heat. Tear the basil leaves and mix them into the sauce. After draining the cooked pasta, add it to the saucepan containing the pomodoro sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. For an added touch of flavor, incorporate some freshly grated Parmigiano cheese.

Final Tips and Serving Suggestions

For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice and can be blended to create a smooth sauce. The pasta sauce combo comes together in just over 10 minutes, perfectly timed with the pasta cooking. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Penne rigate or penne lisce can both be used, and if penne is not available, other pasta types like rigatoni work great as substitutes. Feel free to experiment with additional fresh herbs or sautéed vegetables for added variety and nutrition.

Serve the penne pomodoro immediately, topped with extra Parmigiano cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!