Easy Penne Pomodoro: Your Ultimate Weeknight Italian Pasta Recipe
Experience the true taste of Italy with this quick and easy Penne Pomodoro recipe! Featuring a luscious homemade tomato sauce, fragrant fresh basil, and savory garlic, this classic pasta dish is incredibly simple to prepare, making it the perfect choice whenever your pasta cravings strike. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that brings the heart of Italian cooking to your kitchen.
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About This Easy Penne Pomodoro Recipe
Today, we’re diving into a beloved classic that holds a special place in my heart: Penne Pomodoro. This isn’t just a simple pasta dish; for me, it’s a nostalgic journey back to a specific moment in time. I remember a warm evening in Rome, during my college years, when I was on a tight budget but desperately seeking a truly delicious meal. I wandered into a charming, unassuming trattoria, barely larger than a cozy living room, and ordered their Penne Pomodoro. That first bite was transformative; it instantly became my ultimate comfort food for the remainder of my Italian adventure. It truly encapsulates the magic of Italian cuisine.
The beauty of Italian cooking lies in its ability to transform a mere handful of high-quality ingredients into something extraordinary. This Penne Pomodoro recipe is a perfect testament to that philosophy. We’re talking about basic pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. Yet, when combined with care and simple techniques, they create a memorable meal that feels gourmet without demanding hours of effort in the kitchen. This makes it an absolutely ideal dish for entertaining friends or for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.
The quick preparation time and ease of execution mean you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying good company. There’s a certain magic that happens when a large bowl of pasta is placed at the center of the table; it just has a way of bringing people together. This versatile dish is also fantastic on its own for a vegetarian option, but you can easily elevate it by adding grilled chicken, pan-seared pork, or fresh seafood to incorporate more protein.
What is Penne al Pomodoro Sauce?
The name “pomodoro” itself is Italian for “tomato,” which perfectly describes the star of this classic sauce. At its core, pomodoro sauce is an elegant and simple tomato-based sauce. Traditionally, it’s crafted from a harmonious blend of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, fragrant basil, and a touch of salt. What makes our recipe special is the addition of a spoonful of tomato paste, which provides an extra boost of concentrated tomato flavor and a wonderful depth to the sauce. Furthermore, we include an optional hint of granulated sugar to gently balance out the natural acidity of the tomatoes, ensuring a perfectly smooth and rich taste. This minimalist approach allows the vibrant flavor of fresh tomatoes to truly shine, highlighting the essence of Italian culinary tradition.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Pomodoro
Creating an authentic and delicious Penne Pomodoro relies on a few key ingredients. While the list is short, the quality of each component makes a significant difference in the final flavor profile.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the foundation of many Italian sauces. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil, as its smooth, slightly fruity, and neutral flavor will be a prominent note in your sauce.
- Garlic: A non-negotiable for any good Italian pasta! Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic punch. For convenience, I always keep a jar of minced garlic in my fridge – it saves time and keeps my hands from smelling. However, feel free to mince fresh garlic cloves by hand for an even more potent flavor.
- Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato goodness is a secret weapon for adding incredible depth, richness, and umami to the marinara sauce, elevating it beyond just crushed tomatoes.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of your pomodoro. For an unparalleled flavor, I highly recommend using canned San Marzano tomatoes. These premium Italian tomatoes are known for their sweet, balanced flavor and low acidity. Always invest in a high-quality brand of crushed tomatoes to ensure your sauce tastes vibrant and fresh, not acidic or metallic.
- Fresh Basil: Absolutely essential! Fresh basil leaves infuse the sauce with its signature sweet and peppery aroma. You’ll need enough for both mixing into the sauce during cooking and for a generous garnish just before serving.
- Salt: A fundamental seasoning. Use your favorite kosher or sea salt to properly season the sauce and bring out all the flavors. Remember, you’ll also heavily salt your pasta water.
- Granulated Sugar (Optional): A small amount of sugar can work wonders in balancing the natural acidity of the tomatoes and tomato paste, resulting in a smoother, more rounded sauce. It’s an optional but often beneficial addition.
- Penne Pasta: As the name suggests, penne is our pasta of choice for this recipe. Its ridged, tube-like shape is excellent for catching and holding the delicious pomodoro sauce. However, you can certainly use any short, sturdy pasta shape that you prefer, such as ziti, rigatoni, or farfalle.
- Parmesan Cheese: For garnish, freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami finish that perfectly complements the rich tomato sauce. Grate generously over each serving for an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.
Must-Have Equipment for Penne Pomodoro
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference for this Penne Pomodoro recipe. Here are the essentials:
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are vital for efficiently prepping your garlic and basil.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: You’ll need a spacious pot with ample room to boil the pasta properly, allowing it to cook evenly without clumping.
- Colander: An indispensable tool for efficiently draining your cooked pasta.
- Large Skillet with High Sides: For the sauce, I highly recommend a large skillet that has high sides. This design makes it easy to combine the pasta and sauce in one pan, allowing them to meld together beautifully without any spills.
- Long Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce and tossing the pasta without scratching your skillet.
Here’s How to Make Penne Pomodoro
Follow these simple steps to create a delightful Penne Pomodoro that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.
1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. It’s crucial to season this water generously with salt – it should taste like the ocean! This is your only chance to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add your penne pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, meaning “to the tooth” – firm but still tender when bitten. Follow the specific cooking time instructions provided on your pasta packaging for best results. This ensures your pasta has the perfect bite and texture to complement the sauce.
2. Prepare the Aromatic Sauce Base
While your pasta water is heating up, you can simultaneously start preparing the star of the dish: the pomodoro sauce. Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add your minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for approximately 15 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly.
3. Simmer and Develop Flavor
Next, stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for about 1 minute while stirring frequently. This step, often called “caramelizing” the tomato paste, deepens its flavor and removes any raw taste. Then, add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1/3 cup of the fresh basil, kosher salt, and the optional granulated sugar (if you’re using it to balance acidity). Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat slightly and let it continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering period allows all the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a rich and complex sauce.
Before you drain your cooked pasta, remember a vital step: reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” will be used later to help emulsify the sauce and create a beautifully cohesive consistency. Once the water is reserved, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
4. Combine and Finish the Dish
Reduce the heat for the sauce to medium-low. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the simmering sauce, along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Continue to cook, tossing gently but constantly, until the pasta is beautifully coated with the flavorful sauce. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish.
If you find the sauce is too thick or needs a little more fluidity, don’t hesitate to add another splash of the reserved pasta water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste the pasta and sauce mixture, then season with additional salt as needed. Finally, stir in the remaining fresh basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.
Serve your magnificent Penne Pomodoro immediately, garnished generously with even more fresh basil leaves and a shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated taste of Italy!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Penne Pomodoro
To truly elevate your Penne Pomodoro from good to extraordinary, consider these expert tips and tricks:
- Always Reserve Pasta Water: This step is non-negotiable! That starchy water from cooking your pasta is liquid gold. It’s packed with starch that helps emulsify the sauce, allowing it to cling beautifully to your pasta, creating a richer, more cohesive, and flavorful dish. You don’t need a lot, but reserving at least 1/2 cup is essential.
- Invest in Quality Tomatoes: The difference between “okay” tomatoes and truly high-quality canned tomatoes is monumental in a sauce where tomatoes are the star. Cheaper brands can taste acidic, watery, or even have a tin-like flavor. Opting for a premium brand, especially DOP-certified San Marzano tomatoes, ensures that the inherent sweetness, richness, and balanced acidity of the tomatoes are perfectly preserved, resulting in a sauce that is deep, vibrant, and incredibly delicious.
- Add a Touch of Heat: If you enjoy a little kick, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes (peperoncino) added to the sauce along with the garlic can introduce a wonderful warmth and complexity. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the pasta, and again after. Tomatoes can vary in sweetness and acidity, and your perception of saltiness might change once the pasta is added. Don’t be afraid to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a tiny bit more sugar if needed to achieve perfect balance.
- Fresh Basil for Garnish: While basil is cooked into the sauce, always reserve some fresh leaves to tear or chop and add just before serving. This provides a burst of fresh, vibrant basil aroma and flavor that really brightens the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente! Overcooked, mushy pasta won’t absorb the sauce as well and will detract from the overall texture of the dish.
More easy weeknight pasta recipes: Pasta Napolitana | Kimchi Udon | Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta | Gochujang Noodles
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta for this Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe proudly bears “penne” in its name, this versatile pomodoro sauce pairs beautifully with various short pasta shapes. The key is to choose a pasta that has grooves, tubes, or a surface area capable of capturing and holding onto the delicious tomato sauce. Excellent alternatives include ziti, rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even orecchiette. Each of these shapes offers a unique texture and mouthfeel, but all will work wonderfully to create a satisfying pasta dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite short pasta to see what you enjoy most!
Can I Make This Penne Pomodoro Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare components of this recipe in advance, especially the sauce! The rich pomodoro sauce is perfect for making ahead of time, as its flavors often deepen and improve overnight. Simply prepare the sauce as instructed, allow it to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making your weeknight meal prep a breeze. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook your pasta fresh, reheat the sauce, and combine. Alternatively, you can make a double or even triple batch of the sauce and freeze the extra portions for future meals. Frozen sauce can be stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, offering a convenient homemade option whenever a pasta craving strikes!
Need some inspiration for dinner? Check out my dinner recipes page!
What to Serve with Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro is a wonderfully satisfying dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire dining experience. As a fellow carb-lover, I firmly believe that toasted slices of crusty bread are an absolute must with any pasta dish, especially one featuring a rich and savory tomato sauce. Our no-knead overnight bread is a fantastic choice for soaking up every last bit of that delicious pomodoro. You could also opt for warm, garlicky focaccia or a classic baguette. For a lighter touch, serve this recipe alongside a vibrant, crispy side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette, or with your favorite seasonal roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli. Always remember to finish your bowl of pasta with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra fresh basil leaves for that authentic Italian flair and an irresistible aroma!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Proper storage and reheating ensure your Penne Pomodoro remains delicious even as leftovers.
- Store the Sauce: The pomodoro sauce, without the pasta, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Store the Combined Dish: If you have leftovers of the pasta already tossed with the sauce, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the pasta might absorb more sauce and soften slightly, it will still be delicious.
- Reheat the Sauce: To reheat the sauce, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If it appears too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Serve with freshly cooked pasta.
- Reheat Combined Pasta: For combined pasta and sauce, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Freeze the Sauce: For longer storage, allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing just the sauce separately is often preferred, as pasta can become mushy when thawed and reheated.
- Thaw Frozen Sauce: To thaw, simply transfer the frozen sauce to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat as instructed above.
More Favorite Pasta Recipes
If you loved this simple Penne Pomodoro, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our delightful pasta creations:
- Ready in just 20 minutes, our Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a fresh, creamy, and vibrant dish packed with greens, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Our seasonal Farmer’s Market Pasta celebrates the freshest vegetables, combining your favorite produce into the ultimate light and flavorful pasta experience.
- For a truly comforting and hearty meal, Rigatoni al Forno features tons of melted cheese, a rich meaty homemade sauce, and fragrant fresh herbs, baked to perfection.
Finally, if you try this Penne Pomodoro recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and I genuinely love hearing about your culinary successes. I always make time to respond to every single comment and question. Feel free to drop any questions you might have below as well!
Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! It brings me immense joy to see these recipes come to life in your homes – looking through those photos truly means the world to me!
Easy Penne Pomodoro
Equipment
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Shun Chef’s Knife
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Utility Cutting Board
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Dutch Oven
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Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet
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Long Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 28 oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced + more for serving
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more as needed
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar optional
- 1 lb dried penne rigate pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
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Fill a large pot with water and heavily salt it. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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While the water is coming to a boil, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until hot and shimmering. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 15 seconds.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to deepen its flavor.
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Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1/3 cup of the fresh basil, kosher salt, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Then, drain the pasta thoroughly.
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Reduce heat for the sauce to medium-low. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce, along with the drained pasta. Cook, tossing constantly, until the pasta is beautifully coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, about 1 Tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
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Taste the pasta and sauce, then season with additional salt as desired to perfect the flavor balance.
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Stir in the remaining fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.