Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish featuring al dente penne pasta coated in a smooth, vibrant tomato sauce. Make in just 25 minutes with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, whole garlic, and salt to taste. Enjoy as a quick lunch or time-saving weeknight dinner!
Crush tomatoes - Add the tomatoes to a bowl and crush by hand until smooth. Set aside.
28 oz whole peeled san marzano tomatoes
Cook sauce - In a large skillet or pot, add olive oil and warm over medium heat. Once warm, add garlic cloves. When the garlic turns golden, add the tomatoes and basil, and season with salt. Stir and cook covered with the lid ajar for 20 minutes. Remove the basil leaves and garlic cloves.
3 garlic cloves, 4-5 basil leaves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cook pasta - While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Then add pasta to the water and cook until al dente per the packaging instructions (8-12 minutes). Time the pasta and the sauce so they are ready around the same time. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
Combine ingredients - Add the pasta back to the pot and stir in the pomodoro sauce. If the pasta is dry, add the pasta water about a quarter cup at a time, and toss until the pasta sauce reaches a silky consistency. Distribute into bowls, top with torn basil leaves, serve with grated parmigiano-reggiano, and enjoy immediately.
parmigiano-reggiano
Video
Notes
Storage
Refrigerate leftover penne pomodoro in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. In order to reheat, place the desired amount of leftover pasta in a braiser or dutch oven over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta.
Cooking Tips
Use high-quality tomatoesand other ingredients. Your sauce will only be as good as the ingredients you use.
Be sure to salt the pasta water so the pasta is extra flavorful.
Cook the sauce low and slow for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop a richer, deeper taste.
Serve the pasta witha delicious roll or baguette to dip in the sauce.