Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones. Simple Penne Pomodoro is the perfect example of that. With just a few key ingredients—plump tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and garlic—this pasta dish is full of fresh, vibrant flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. It’s a comforting, light meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, and it’s ready in no time.
This dish is all about the natural flavors of the ingredients. The sweet tomatoes break down into a rich, tangy sauce, while the garlic adds a lovely depth. The basil brings a burst of freshness, and the penne pasta perfectly soaks up all the deliciousness. Simple Penne Pomodoro? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
I first had Simple Penne Pomodoro at a little Italian restaurant while visiting a friend in the city. I was expecting a heavy, rich pasta dish, but when the plate arrived, it was light and fragrant—just the kind of meal that leaves you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. The simplicity of the dish took me by surprise. It was just pasta, tomatoes, and a few other ingredients, but it tasted like a special treat. Since then, I’ve made Simple Penne Pomodoro countless times at home, tweaking it here and there, but always keeping it simple and fresh.
Simple Penne Pomodoro is my go-to dish when I want something quick but flavorful, or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort. The flavors speak for themselves—there’s no need to complicate things.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Fresh and Flavorful – Sweet tomatoes, garlic, and basil are a match made in heaven.
- Light Yet Satisfying – Full of flavor, but not too heavy.
- Customizable – Add veggies, cheese, or protein to make it your own.
- Versatile – Great for a casual dinner or even a more elegant meal.
Health Benefits of Simple Penne Pomodoro
It’s easy to think of pasta as just comfort food, but Simple Penne Pomodoro brings some health perks too:
- Tomatoes Are Full of Antioxidants – Rich in vitamins C and A, they help support a healthy immune system.
- Olive Oil is Heart-Healthy – A good source of healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.
- Basil Boosts Flavor and Nutrition – Packed with antioxidants, basil is also great for digestion.
- Light on Calories – With a simple tomato-based sauce, this pasta dish is lower in calories than many other pasta options.
- Naturally Vegan – No dairy needed to make it tasty—perfect for plant-based eaters.
When to Make Simple Penne Pomodoro
This dish works for almost any occasion:
- Busy Weeknights – A quick, flavorful dinner when you’re short on time.
- Family Meals – It’s easy to double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Dinner Parties – Light yet impressive when served with a simple side salad and bread.
- Meatless Mondays – A plant-based dinner that’s still filling and satisfying.
- Date Night – A cozy, elegant meal that’s simple but full of flavor.
Chef’s Notes: Simple Penne Pomodoro
- Simmer for Richer Flavor – For deeper taste, let the sauce simmer for up to 1 hour.
- Tomato Choice – Fresh Roma tomatoes are best in season, but canned San Marzano tomatoes work excellently year-round.
- Crush the Tomatoes – Use a hand masher to crush the tomatoes to your desired consistency for a chunkier sauce.
- Vegan-Friendly – Top with vegan parmesan to keep the dish fully plant-based.
- Perfect Pasta – Be sure to cook the penne until al dente, so it holds up well in the sauce.
- Freezing Tips – You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
- Meal Prep – The sauce can be doubled or tripled for easy meal prep and used with different pasta shapes.
- Extra Freshness – Garnish with extra basil leaves just before serving to maintain their bright flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option – If you’re watching your sodium, adjust the amount of salt in the sauce or use low-sodium canned tomatoes.
- Customize It – Add sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, for more variety.
Simple Penne Pomodoro
Experience the taste of Italy with this easy Penne Pomodoro recipe. This classic dish combines fresh or canned plum tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil to create a light, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats al dente penne pasta. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s ready in just over an hour. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this customizable recipe will become a family favorite in no time. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this authentic Italian pasta dish!
4
servings20
minutes1
minute297
kcal1
minuteKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
Approximately 1.13 to 1.4 kilograms of fresh Italian Roma plum tomatoes, around 15-20 medium size, or alternatively, use two 28-ounce cans of high-quality whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes.
About 4 to 5 fresh garlic cloves, thoroughly pressed or minced.
A generous bunch of 15 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnishing.
8 to 10 ounces of dry penne pasta, your preferred brand and shape.
Season with sea salt, added to taste.
Optional: Vegan parmesan cheese, for sprinkling on top.
- Alternative Ingredients
Alternative ingredients can be used based on availability and dietary preferences.
Directions
- Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside, ensuring it doesn’t stick together.
- If using fresh tomatoes, Briefly blanch them in boiling water for 1-3 minutes until the skins loosen. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins and remove the nodes with a small knife.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the peeled tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Once the tomatoes soften slightly, use a hand masher or spoon to crush them to your desired consistency. Reduce the heat to low-medium, leaving the pot uncovered, and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes, or until it thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and turn off the heat. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated and heated through.
- Serve the penne pomodoro warm, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor.
Equipment
- large pot
- colander
- knife
- cutting board
- hand masher
Notes
- For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce for up to 1 hour. The sauce can be doubled or tripled for meal prepping. Store leftover sauce and pasta separately in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Fresh, in-season Roma tomatoes yield the best results, but canned San Marzano tomatoes are a great substitute when fresh ones are not available.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 297kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 27mg
- Potassium: 1218mg
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 12g
- Vitamin A: 3858IU
- Vitamin C: 63mg
- Calcium: 65mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs: Simple Penne Pomodoro
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent substitute when fresh Roma tomatoes aren’t available.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan if you skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative like vegan parmesan.
How long can I store leftover Penne Pomodoro?
Store the sauce and pasta separately in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to crush the tomatoes?
You can use a hand masher, spoon, or even blend the sauce slightly if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
When the sauce coats the back of a spoon and has reduced in volume by about one-third, it’s ready.
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