Penne Pomodoro

5 from 21 votes

Penne Al Pomodoro is a simple, flavorful 30-minute tomato basil pasta recipe. Make this easy Italian meal for a delicious dinner tonight!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Pasta, 30 minute meals, pomodoro sauce, penne pasta recipes, penne pomodoro

Servings: servings

Calories: 424kcal

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

Equipment

1 stock pot or similar size pot, for cooking pasta
skillet or large, shallow saucepan
measuring cup or bowl
colander
chef's knife

Ingredients

3 teaspoons salt divided
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced or smashed
28 ounces San Marzano crushed tomatoes or other brand canned crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 pound penne pasta uncooked
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8-10 leaves fresh basil julienned - *See instructions, below

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water with 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add San Marzano crushed tomatoes (with the juices), 1 teaspoon of salt, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat while you cook the pasta.
Add pasta to boiling water and cook to al dente (about 2 minutes less than the cooking time shown on the package).
When pasta is finished cooking, use a heat-safe measuring cup or bowl to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
Set reserved water aside, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do NOT rinse the penne! Set aside.
Stir 1/4 cup pasta water into the sauce to thicken it. Add more pasta water if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is thick, rich, and glossy.
Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed.
To julienne the basil: Stack the leaves on a cutting board, then roll them up tightly into a "cigar" shape.
Turn it, so the long side is facing you. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the basil into very thin slices.
Use your fingers to loosen the "ribbons" of basil.
Garnish with parmesan cheese and basil before serving.

Notes

To cook perfect penne pasta, always use a large pot with plenty of water—at least 4-6 quarts per pound of pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding a generous amount of salt, about 1-2 tablespoons. This not only enhances the flavor of the pasta but also helps it cook evenly. Stir the penne occasionally to keep it from sticking together and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until it's al dente—firm to the bite. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to the penne.

Recipe Variations:

One of the best things about penne pasta pomodoro is how customizable it is—making it a family favorite for any occasion! Here are a few ways to elevate this simple tomato basil pasta recipe and make it your own:

Boost the veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant for extra nutrients and flavor. Use seasonal, garden-fresh vegetables for the best taste.
Make it spicy: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a bit of heat to your simple tomato sauce, making it even more flavorful.
Rich & meaty: Turn this into a hearty meat sauce by browning Italian sausage or ground beef in extra virgin olive oil before sautéing your onions and garlic. The fat from the meat adds incredible depth to the sauce!
Creamy & indulgent: For a creamier sauce, stir in half & half or heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture. You can also top individual servings with ricotta or cottage cheese for an extra indulgent bite.

Storing Instructions:

The sauce in our tomato basil pasta recipe is great for making in bulk ahead of time. It lasts for up to a week in the fridge, and as mentioned above, it can be frozen for up to 6 months! It thaws well, with no real change in texture.
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan on the stove, or microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each. Unless there’s meat involved, the sauce and pasta should reheat smoothly and pretty quickly.

Make Ahead Instructions:

Pasta dishes store well as leftovers, so you can build tonight’s dinner in a breeze while guaranteeing a tasty lunch or dinner later in the week. You can even prepare tons of sauce ahead of time to freeze and use down the road.

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