Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce, a simple yet luxurious pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night. This recipe combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with a velvety tomato sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of heavy cream for an irresistibly rich flavor. Fragrant fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes add a delightful herbal and spicy note, rounding out every mouthwatering bite. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that's easy to customize and pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread. Whether you're craving a cozy Italian-inspired feast or an effortless comfort food favorite, Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce is sure to satisfy.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the water and stir. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic cloves. Thinly slice the fresh basil leaves and set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to become smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss the pasta to fully coat it in the sauce.

Step 8

Garnish the pasta with the sliced fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5272.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2646.6

Total Fat 130.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 284.5mg	0%
Sodium 8762.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 290.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.9g	0%
Total Sugars 23.3g
Protein 66.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 832.4mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 2405.3mg	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: 45.1%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 44.7%