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The Best Penne Pomodoro Recipe

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4.3 from 175 reviews

This Penne Pomodoro recipe is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked penne tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce made from whole canned tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste, and fresh basil. Enhanced by the depth of olive oil, butter, and a touch of heat from dried chiles de arbol, this comforting and flavorful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound of penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

Tomato Sauce

  • 1 28-oz can of whole tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 4 cloves of garlic, 3 sliced and 1 grated
  • 2 dried chiles de arbol, seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 basil leaves, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 11-13 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 3 sliced garlic cloves and 2 dried chiles de arbol (with seeds removed) to the oil and sauté until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute until it deepens in color. Then, add the 28-oz can of whole tomatoes, crushing them gently with a spoon. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  4. Add Seasoning and Simmer: Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and the grated garlic clove to the sauce. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Remove the dried chiles from the sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted to lend richness. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Stir in the sliced basil leaves just before serving. Serve hot with optional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Removing seeds from chiles de arbol reduces the heat for a mild spicy kick.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
  • Use high-quality canned whole tomatoes for best flavor.
  • Butter adds a silky, rich texture to the sauce but can be omitted or substituted with olive oil for a lighter version.
  • Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/the-best-penne-pomodoro-recipe/