Fast Creamy Tomato Penne is a quick and easy pasta dish that combines penne pasta with a rich and creamy tomato sauce. It’s a simple, comforting meal that can be prepared in a short amount of time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve the creamy tomato penne hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.