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5.0 from 21 votes

Penne Pomodoro

This Penne Pomodoro is the simplest tomato pasta recipe made with an easy, flavour-packed tomato sauce and fresh basil leaves. This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 410 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 4 cups penne pasta (400g/14oz)
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1.5 cups pureed tomatoes , passata (350g)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (tomato purée UK)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil plus extra for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • freshly grated parmesan for garnish if desired

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the penne pasta until al dente (around 8-10 minutes).
  2. Put the oil, fresh and dried herbs and garlic in a skillet (frying pan) and saute the garlic until fragrant.
  3. Meanwhile, add the pureed tomatoes (passata) and tomato paste and stir to combine. Gently simmer the sauce until the penne pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
  4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the rest and add the pasta to the sauce.
  5. Toss or stir the pasta to coat in the sauce, add a little splash of reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. When coated add in some fresh chopped basil and stir, serve.

Notes

  • Make sure to salt the pasta water generously.
  • As soon as the water comes to a boil add the pasta and start cooking the sauce.
  • Make sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water, you won't need it all but a splash or two will help emulsify the sauce adding even more flavour.
  • Use high-quality tomatoes for this recipe. I recommend Cirio and use them for every recipe that uses canned or jarred tomatoes. A cheap brand will likely be too watery and acidic and won't give you a great sauce.
  • Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the sauce before adding the pasta.
  • If you don't have penne pasta then any pasta shape will do from rigatoni to spaghetti.
  • You can make the sauce in advance to make the meal even quicker when you're ready to eat.
  • You can also make a double or triple or even more of the sauce and freeze it for later.

Nutrition Information

Calories 410kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 84g (28%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 63mg (3%) Potassium 648mg (19%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 618IU (12%) Vitamin C 12mg (13%) Calcium 39mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 410

% Daily Value*

Calories 410kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 84g 28%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 63mg 3%
Potassium 648mg 14%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 618IU 12%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 39mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.