Penne with Cherry Tomatoes Fresh Basil

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with this simple yet irresistible Penne with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, this dish combines al dente penne pasta with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes sautéed in fragrant garlic and extra virgin olive oil. A hint of red chili flakes adds a subtle kick, while fresh basil leaves infuse the sauce with herbaceous brightness. Finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this pasta recipe is both comforting and light, making it a versatile go-to meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick, vegetarian delight that showcases the beauty of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Serve it with a side salad and crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 300 g cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 count garlic cloves
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 50 g Parmesan cheese
• 4 liters water

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.

Step 6

Add 0.5 teaspoon of red chili flakes, 0.5 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Tear or chop the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the basil is wilted.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing everything together. If needed, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 9

Grate 50 g of Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the pasta. Stir well to combine.

Step 10

Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt or pepper, if necessary.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4885.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2063.6

Total Fat 64.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 44.5mg	0%
Sodium 2823.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 311.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 7.9g
Protein 70.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 772.3mg	0%
Iron 16.5mg	0%
Potassium 1631.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.5%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 59.2%