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Penne Recipe

A comforting bowl of penne pasta coated in a rich, savory sauce with endless variation options.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 11 minutes.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
  4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the drained penne to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding balsamic vinegar or red pepper flakes.