Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this easy and indulgent Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe! Packed with al dente penne pasta tossed in a velvety sauce made from rich crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Aromatic sautéed onions and garlic infuse the sauce with depth, while a hint of dried basil and red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet decadent enough for a cozy dinner party. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and watch it disappear from plates in no time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped (optional) fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Add the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the creamy tomato sauce. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2759 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.5 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.4 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 320 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 4306 mg | 187% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 288.5 g | 105% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.9 g | ||
| Protein | 82.2 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1044 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2327 mg | 50% | |
*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.
