This Super Easy Tomato Penne Pasta is the kind of meal I come back to again and again. It's simple, fresh and comes together quickly, but still feels comforting and satisfying. When you want pasta without committing to a long-simmered sauce, this one hits the spot.
Juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic and a splash of pasta water create a simple tomato sauce that clings to every bite of penne. Finished with a little cream and freshly grated Parmesan, it's proof that you don't need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make a really good pasta dinner.
If you are looking for more pasta recipes, check out our: Chicken Parmesan Alfredo, Truffle Mushroom Pasta, Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad, or Saffron Pasta.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick: The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks, so dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending all evening in the kitchen.
- Simple: Cherry tomatoes, garlic and simple pantry staples turn into a glossy, flavorful sauce without much effort. There's no long simmer or complicated technique, just straightforward cooking that delivers every time.
- Comforting: A small splash of cream adds richness without turning this into a heavy cream sauce. It balances the tomatoes nicely and makes the pasta feel cozy and comforting while still light enough to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan will taste and melt best.
- Penne: Penne works well because the ridges and hollow center catch the sauce. Cook it just until al dente since it will finish in the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: It is important to use ripe, fresh tomatoes since they are the base of the sauce.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil for the best overall flavor.
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Heavy cream
Directions
Let's make this easy dinner together!
Step 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to the package directions, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the tomatoes simmer, stirring occasionally. Add the reserved pasta water and gently swirl the pan until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Step 4
Stir in the heavy cream, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated. Remove from the heat, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this simple pasta recipe:
- Salt the pasta water well. This is your first chance to season the dish and makes a big difference in the final flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it just to al dente since it will finish cooking when tossed with the sauce.
- Always save pasta water. Even if you don't think you'll need it, that starchy water is key for a glossy, well-coated sauce.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy meal.
- Penne: Penne works great, but rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, or spaghetti all hold the sauce well.
- Additions: Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas turn this into a heartier meal. Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers mix in easily without overpowering the sauce. Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can skip the cream for a lighter tomato-based sauce. The pasta water and tomatoes will still create a glossy, flavorful coating for the pasta.
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms all work well and can be stirred in at the end.
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving. Add a splash of water or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage instructions for this easy pasta dish.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: This pasta can be frozen, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the cream.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.
Super Easy Tomato and Garlic Penne
Ingredients
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes quartered
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Start the tomato sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add garlic and season: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make it saucy: Add the reserved pasta water to the tomatoes and swirl the pan until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to combine. Remove from heat and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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