Description
This Penne Pasta with Campagnola Sauce is a rustic Italian dish that celebrates the flavors of fresh zucchini, ripe tomatoes, basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Light yet satisfying, it’s a simple, garden-inspired pasta perfect for warm-weather meals or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 large zucchini, diced into ¼-inch pieces
1 lb dried penne pasta
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 large tomato, peeled and chopped
½ cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¾ cup water (plus more as needed)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the diced zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the water and stir in the chopped tomato.
- Add the basil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the zucchini becomes soft and saucy. Add more water if needed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano until melted and creamy.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne for about 8 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the zucchini sauce. Toss over medium heat for 3 minutes to combine and coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmigiano and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Dice the zucchini evenly for consistent cooking and texture.
Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best flavor — or substitute canned diced tomatoes if needed.
For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a pinch of red pepper.
A touch of butter at the end makes the sauce extra silky.
To make it richer, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or crème fraîche before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
