Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, bright, and incredibly satisfying, you’re going to love this Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe. It’s one of those go-to meals I keep in my back pocket when life gets hectic but I still want something homemade and bursting with flavor. You’ll find that it’s wonderfully simple, uses ingredients you probably already have, and comes together faster than you can decide what to order for takeout!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to make a fresh and comforting sauce that clings like a dream to every bite of penne pasta. I always recommend using good quality olive oil and fresh herbs to really elevate the flavors.

• Penne pasta: I like using penne because its tube shape holds the sauce inside, making every bite flavorful.
• Olive oil: Choose extra virgin if you can—it adds a lovely fruity depth.
• Garlic: Finely chopped so it releases that warm aroma quickly without burning.
• Pureed tomatoes (passata): This smooth tomato base gives the sauce its vibrant color and fresh tomato flavor.
• Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato punch and thickens the sauce nicely.
• Fresh parsley: Adds subtle herbaceous notes to brighten the sauce.
• Fresh basil: The star of this recipe—adds sweet, peppery freshness, especially when stirred in at the end.
• Dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herb flavor and depth.
• Freshly grated parmesan (optional): I love sprinkling this on top for a salty, creamy finish.

Variations

I love making this recipe mine by tweaking it now and then—feel free to do the same! This Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe is super adaptable, so you can easily switch things up to suit your mood or dietary needs.

• Add some heat: I sometimes toss in red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle kick that gives the sauce an extra layer of warmth.
• Make it vegan: Skip the parmesan and try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or leave it out entirely—it’s delicious either way.
• Bulk it up: For a heartier meal, I’ve added sautéed mushrooms or spinach, which pair beautifully with the tomato and basil flavors.
• Use fresh tomatoes: In summer, I swap passata for finely chopped ripe tomatoes and cook them down—there’s nothing like fresh tomatoes in a pomodoro sauce!

How to Make Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne to Al Dente Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil—seasoning the water well is key because it’s your chance to add flavor directly to the pasta. Cook the penne for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s just al dente, meaning it still has a little bite but isn’t hard. I always set a timer and taste a piece a minute or two before the package suggests; this way, it won’t overcook while your sauce finishes.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Herbs in Olive Oil

While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, fresh parsley, and some of your fresh basil—not all just yet! Sauté gently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden but be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin your sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Stir in your pureed tomatoes (passata) and tomato paste. The paste adds that lovely intensity the sauce needs. Let this simmer gently for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This is the moment the sauce transforms from simple ingredients into something rich and comforting.

Step 4: Combine and Emulsify the Pasta and Sauce

Once the penne is al dente, reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining the remainder. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce pan and toss to coat thoroughly. Adding a splash of that reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce—it binds the tomato and oil together into a silky coating instead of a chunky mess. Finally, stir in the rest of the fresh basil for the herbaceous finish.

Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan if you like—that salty punch makes it even more irresistible. My family always insists on seconds!

How to Serve Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe

Garnishes

Simple and classic is my motto here. I like to sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and a few whole basil leaves on top just before serving. It adds a lovely salty richness and an extra burst of herbal aroma. If you want a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or lightly crushed black pepper work wonders too.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. When I want to keep it light, a crusty bread to mop up that delicious pomodoro sauce is always a hit with my crew.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in individual shallow bowls garnished artistically with basil chiffonade and a drizzle of good olive oil. Sometimes, I toast a few slices of garlic bread with fresh herbs and cut them into fingers—my kids love dunking those into the sauce, which makes the meal extra interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover penne pomodoro stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors actually meld and develop overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before storing and keep any fresh basil separate if you want to retain its brightness.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this pasta with fresh basil included because the herb can turn bitter when frozen. However, if you want to freeze the sauce plus pasta, skip the fresh basil and add it fresh after reheating. When thawed, the sauce performs well and reheats nicely without losing its charm.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pasta over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwave works too in a pinch—just do short bursts and stir in between. Add fresh basil on top after reheating to bring back that lovely herbal freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Quick Penne Pomodoro with Fresh Basil Recipe turns out every single time—it’s the perfect go-to for a quick, comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on fresh flavor or charm. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how little effort it took to get restaurant-worthy results at home. I truly think you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do, and it might just become one of your weeknight kitchen staples too. Give it a go, and don’t forget to savor every basil-scented bite!

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