Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this Penne with Quick Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Cheese—a perfect harmony of simplicity and indulgence. In just 30 minutes, this recipe combines tender penne pasta with a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and basil, delivering bold Italian-inspired flavors. What sets this dish apart is the creamy dollops of ricotta cheese, which add a luxurious texture and balance to the tangy sauce. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and optional Parmesan cheese complete the dish for a vibrant and satisfying finish. Quick, comforting, and easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the 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 the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Divide the sauced pasta among serving plates or bowls.
Top each portion with dollops of ricotta cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Penne with Quick Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Cheese!
Calories |
2404 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.0 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.7 g | 134% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 163 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 4325 mg | 188% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 358.5 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.1 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.5 g | ||
| Protein | 102.7 g | 205% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1554 mg | 120% | |
| Iron | 21.3 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 2784 mg | 59% | |
*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.