Description
A cozy, flavorful pasta dinner made with penne tossed in a silky tomato cream sauce with garlic, onion, parmesan, and fresh basil. It is quick enough for weeknights, yet rich and satisfying enough to feel a little special.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil to the skillet, then cook the diced onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, then lower the heat.
- Cook the penne in the boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss in the sauce.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and enough reserved pasta water to create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Fold in the chopped basil, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with extra parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
- Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the cream for the best texture.
- Save the pasta water before draining, because it helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg