Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce, a simple yet luxurious pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night. This recipe combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with a velvety tomato sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of heavy cream for an irresistibly rich flavor. Fragrant fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes add a delightful herbal and spicy note, rounding out every mouthwatering bite. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that's easy to customize and pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread. Whether you're craving a cozy Italian-inspired feast or an effortless comfort food favorite, Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce is sure to satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the water and stir. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic cloves. Thinly slice the fresh basil leaves and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to become smooth and creamy.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss the pasta to fully coat it in the sauce.
Garnish the pasta with the sliced fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
496 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.7 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.8 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 71 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 2098 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.6 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 11.9 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 245 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 619 mg | 13% | |
*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.
