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Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy tomato and basil penne pasta is a comforting and simple main-course dish featuring sautéed onions and garlic, rich tomato and basil sauce, and a lush blend of cream and parmesan tossed with perfectly cooked penne and fresh basil. It’s easy, quick, and delicious—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced small
  • 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
  • Dash of sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • Fresh basil, for topping

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Add a dash of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then cook the sauce on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld and sauce thicken.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  4. Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot. Optional: add extra parmesan and basil for garnish.

Notes

  • Use high-quality pasta sauce for best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Freshly grated parmesan and fresh basil take the dish to the next level.
  • This recipe can be made vegetarian by ensuring the parmesan is vegetarian-suitable.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/creamy-tomato-and-basil-penne-pasta-recipe/