Classic Penne Pomodoro is simple to make with just a few pantry ingredients. Tender pasta in a light Pomodoro sauce is an instant favorite for anyone who tries it.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta pomodoro, penne pomodoro, pomodoro sauce
Servings: 8
Calories: 378kcal
Author: Kellie
Cost: $5
Equipment
skillet
Ingredients
1 28-ouncecan whole peeled tomatoes
6garlic clovessmashed with the side of a knife
1/4cupextra virgin olive oil
1/2teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
8-10basil leavesplus more for garnish
1lbpenne pasta
1cupfinely grated parmesanwe love the canned stuff here!
3tablespoonsbutter
Instructions
Heat a large stock pot with water over medium high heat and season with 3-4 tablespoons kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
Place a fine mesh sieve or strainer over a large bowl and pour the tomatoes into the sieve to drain the juice. Using your hands, slightly crush the tomatoes to release the seeds and liquid hiding inside.
Gently shake the strainer and set aside, reserving the tomato juice.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic to the pot and cook until the garlic is golden on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and the tomatoes. Cook the tomatoes, stirring often, until the tomatoes become a deeper red and caramelized, approximately 5 minutes.
Add the reserved tomato juice and stir. Reduce the heat and continue simmering until the liquid is reduced and the sauce is thickened, approximately 6-8 minutes.
While the sauce is reducing, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until the penne is al dente (firm to the bite).
When the pasta is done, remove one cup of the pasta water and set aside.
Drain the pasta.
Stir the basil into the sauce and then add the pasta, tossing to coat.
If the sauce looks dry, add 1/2 cup of the pasta water and continue tossing until the liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle in half the cheese and toss to coat. Add the remaining pasta water until your sauce is the desired consistency, if necessary.
Toss in the remaining cheese, tossing to coat.
Stir in the butter and toss until melted.
Serve the pasta with more cheese, crushed red pepper flake, basil and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.