Creamy Penne with Tomatoes
Indulge in the velvety comfort of Creamy Penne with Tomatoes, a quick and easy pasta dish that’s bursting with rich flavors and perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe combines al dente penne pasta with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, made extra savory with melted Parmesan cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes simmered to perfection. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch, while optional red chili flakes provide a gentle kick for spice lovers. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for serving to family or guests, with minimal prep time and maximum flavor. Pair it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a meal that’s sure to delight.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 300 grams Cherry tomatoes
- 200 milliliters Heavy cream
- 50 grams Grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 grams Fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Finely chop the garlic. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Halve the cherry tomatoes. Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to come together.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Tear or chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2623 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.6 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.4 g | 272% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 250 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 3297 mg | 143% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 308.8 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.1 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 73.8 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 623 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 16.4 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 1604 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
