One-Pot

Penne With Tomato Sauce

Name: Penne With Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (optional)

By Kira Fairchild · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of penne with tomato sauce to bring the family together on a chilly evening. As a child, I would often help my grandmother in the kitchen, learning the secrets of traditional Italian cooking. One of my favorite dishes was always her penne with tomato sauce, made with love and care from scratch. Today, I'm excited to share this recipe with you, so you can create your own delicious and comforting meals at home.

This recipe is special because it's a true reflection of Italian-American cuisine, with its rich flavors and hearty portions. It's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

As we cook our way through this recipe, I'll be sharing some of my favorite tips and tricks for making the perfect penne with tomato sauce. From the importance of using high-quality ingredients to the secret to achieving that perfect al dente texture, I'll be covering it all. So, let's get started and create a dish that's sure to become a new family favorite!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it on its own as a main course, or pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a more filling meal. You can also customize it to suit your tastes by adding your favorite protein sources, such as cooked sausage or chicken, or by using different types of cheese and herbs.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this penne with tomato sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, let's get cooking and create a dish that's truly unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a classic Italian-American dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding your favorite protein sources or using different types of cheese and herbs.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly evening.
It's a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great penne with tomato sauce is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the pasta just right. This means using a good quality tomato sauce that's made with fresh, flavorful ingredients, and cooking the penne until it's al dente, or still slightly firm in the center.

Another important factor is the way the sauce and pasta are combined. By adding the cooked penne to the tomato sauce and tossing it to coat, we create a beautiful, harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The starches from the pasta help to thicken the sauce, while the acidity from the tomatoes helps to brighten and balance the flavors.

Finally, the finishing touches are what really make this dish shine. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a richness and depth to the sauce. By combining these elements, we create a dish that's truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious penne with tomato sauce, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including high-quality penne pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. You'll also need some salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and freshness.

When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can find. Look for penne pasta that's made from durum wheat semolina, and choose canned tomatoes that are labeled 'san marzano' or 'pomodoro' for the best flavor. Fresh garlic and basil are also essential, so be sure to pick up a few cloves and a bunch of fresh leaves at the market.

1 pound (450g) penne pastaLook for high-quality penne pasta made from durum wheat semolina for the best flavor and texture.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good quality olive oil with a mild flavor to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
3 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, so be sure to use the best quality you can find.
1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoesChoose canned tomatoes that are labeled 'san marzano' or 'pomodoro' for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon dried basilDried basil adds a subtle, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce, but you can also use fresh basil if you prefer.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the sauce, but you can also use fresh oregano if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a good quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, to add depth and flavor to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick to the sauce, but you can also use pre-ground pepper if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseUse a good quality Parmesan cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, for the best flavor and texture.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish, so be sure to use the best quality you can find.
1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (optional)A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, can add a nice depth and complexity to the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerGrater or food processor for grating cheeseChef's knife for chopping parsley

How to Make Penne With Tomato Sauce

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente, or still slightly firm in the center.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
4
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring to combine.
5
If using white wine, add it to the pot and stir to combine.
6
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened and the flavors have melded together, about 20-25 minutes.
7
When the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the penne in a colander or strainer.
8
Add the cooked penne to the tomato sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
9
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
10
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, and then stir in the chopped parsley.
11
Serve the penne hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
12
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and good quality olive oil, to get the best flavor out of your sauce.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should still be slightly firm in the center when you drain it.
If you're using white wine, be sure to cook it until it's almost completely reduced to avoid a watery sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese off the heat to avoid it becoming too melted and stringy.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Consider using other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add different flavors and textures to the dish.
Add some protein, such as cooked sausage or chicken, to make the dish more substantial and filling.
Use fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough salt in the sauce, which can make it taste bland and flat.
Not cooking the garlic long enough, which can give the sauce a raw and bitter flavor.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and good quality olive oil, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, which can make the sauce seem thin and unappetizing.
Not adding enough grated Parmesan cheese, which can make the sauce seem bland and unflavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some protein, such as cooked sausage or chicken, to make the dish more substantial and filling.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add different flavors and textures to the dish.
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add some spice, such as red pepper flakes, to give the dish a bit of heat and flavor.
Use a mixture of tomato sauce and pesto to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Add some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to add some extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.

What to Serve With Penne With Tomato Sauce

This penne with tomato sauce is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. You can also add some protein, such as cooked sausage or chicken, to make the dish more substantial and filling.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, or using a mixture of tomato sauce and pesto to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add different flavors and textures to the dish.

Serve with a simple green salad and some crusty breadAdd some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppersUse a mixture of tomato sauce and pesto to create a creamy and flavorful sauceAdd some cooked sausage or chicken to make the dish more substantial and filling

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This penne with tomato sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the fridge, simply let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. To freeze it, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it for a few minutes or reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. You can also add some extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley to give it a fresh and flavorful touch.

It's also worth noting that this dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to serve it. Simply cook the pasta and sauce separately and then combine them just before serving. This can be a great way to save time and reduce stress during the holiday season or other busy times of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Penne pasta is the best type of pasta for this recipe, as it has a tube shape that holds onto the sauce well and a rough texture that helps the sauce cling to it.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but you'll need to cook them down and puree them to create a smooth sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, you can add a little bit of water or tomato juice to thin it out. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce and give it a creamy texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce, such as cooked sausage or chicken, to make it more substantial and filling. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to give it a bright and fresh flavor.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

To store the dish, simply let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. To reheat it, you can microwave it for a few minutes or reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it. Simply cook the pasta and sauce separately and then combine them just before serving.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Parmesan cheese is the best type of cheese for this recipe, as it has a nutty and salty flavor that complements the tomato sauce well. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add different flavors and textures to the dish.

Can I use a mixture of tomato sauce and pesto?

Yes, you can use a mixture of tomato sauce and pesto to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. Simply combine the two sauces in a bowl and stir to combine, then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.

The Full Recipe

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