Description
A quick and comforting creamy-style pasta made with penne, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes, perfect for busy nights when you want something warm, simple, and satisfying.
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened and well blended.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Add a splash of cream for extra richness.
Sautéed mushrooms or spinach make great additions.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat.
If tomatoes are acidic, add a small pinch of sugar to balance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
