Penne Pomodoro

Quick and easy penne pomodoro is the ideal weeknight meal! Made with a homemade tomato sauce, fresh basil, and garlic, this pasta dish is the simplest recipe to whip up whenever you have a pasta craving!

about this penne pomodoro recipe

Today we’re diving into a classic that’s close to my heart: penne pomodoro. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a trip down memory lane for me.

It’s a warm evening in Rome, and I’m a broke college student looking for a cheap but delicious meal. I stumble into this tiny trattoria, barely bigger than my apartment bedroom, and order their penne pomodoro. One bite, and it becomes my go-to comfort food for the rest of my time in Italy.

Here’s the thing about Italian cooking – they take just a handful of ingredients and turn them into something magical. This penne pomodoro proves exactly that. We’re talking simple stuff you probably already have in your kitchen, but put together, it’s a memorable meal that doesn’t require a ton of work.

That’s what makes this penne pomodoro perfect for having friends over. It’s a quick cook time, it’s easy, but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, there’s something about a big bowl of pasta that just brings people together, you know?

You can even serve it with chicken, pork, or seafood to add some protein to the mix!

ingredients

olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil should be used for a smooth and neutral flavor in the sauce.

garlic. garlic is a must for EVERYTHING, so I always have a jar of minced garlic in the fridge at all times. No smelly hands, no peeling garlic. It’s the best shortcut ever. You can also buy fresh garlic and mince it by hand.

tomato paste. Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the marinara sauce.

crushed tomatoes. San Marzano canned tomatoes are ideal to the best flavor in the sauce! Make sure to purchase a high-quality brand to get the best flavor possible.

basil. Fresh basil leaves are key! Make sure that you have enough for the sauce, as well as additional for garnish.

salt. You can use your favorite salt to season the sauce.

sugar. This is an optional ingredient, but it helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and tomato paste in the sauce.

pasta. We like to use penne pasta for the recipe. You can use any short type of pasta, though.

parmesan. For garnish, the salty cheese gives the pasta extra flavor. Grate as much as you want on top for added flavor.

this recipe’s must haves

For this recipe, make sure you have a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board to prep the ingredients.

Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the pasta. You will also need a colander to strain the pasta.

For the sauce, I like to use a large skillet with high sides so the pasta can easily be added with the sauce in one dish.

here’s how to make penne pomodoro

make pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Make sure to season it with salt! Once boiling, add pasta and cook until al dente, according to the directions on the packaging.

make sauce

While the water comes to a boil, start to make the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat. Once hot and shimmering, add in garlic, cooking until fragrant and browned, about 15 seconds.

simmer

Add in tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, 1/3 cup basil, salt, and sugar, if using. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as it cooks.

Once the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.

finish pasta

Reduce heat for the sauce to medium-low heat. Add pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water. Continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until the sauce coats the pasta.

If the sauce is too thick, you can add another splash of pasta water.

Taste and season with salt as desired. Stir in remaining basil.

Serve with additional basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

tips and tricks

remember to reserve pasta water. Be sure to reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. You don’t need a lot, but reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water is essential. It gives the sauce even more flavor!

use good tomatoes. There’s a difference between ok tomatoes and really high-quality tomatoes. If you use a cheaper brand, the tomatoes will taste acidic, watery, and a little tin-like. When you use a better brand like Cirio, the flavor and richness of the tomatoes are properly preserved so your sauce tastes delicious.

add some heat. Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce to make it a little spicy!

More easy weeknight pasta recipes: Pasta Napolitana | Kimchi Udon | Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta | Gochujang Noodles

can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?

While this recipe has penne in the name, you can really use any type of short pasta with the pomodoro sauce! Ziti, farfalle, and more work well with this recipe.

what is penne al pomodoro sauce?

Did you know that pomodoro means “tomato” in Italian? That’s exactly what pomodoro sauce is – a sauce made of tomatoes. Traditionally the sauce is a combination of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil, and salt. We like to add tomato paste to ours for an added boost of tomato flavor. In addition, you can add in a touch of sugar to smooth out the acidity of the tomatoes.

can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can easily make the sauce in advance! The sauce will last in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Alternatively, make a double or triple batch, freezing the extra sauce for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Need some inspiration for dinner? Check out my dinner recipes page!

what to serve with this penne al pomodoro recipe

As a carb-lover, toasted slices of no knead overnight bread are a must for any pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce! You can also serve this recipe with a crispy side salad or your favorite seasonal vegetables.

Always top your bowl of pasta with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if you can!

how to store and reheat

Store. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. You can also store leftovers of the pasta dressed in the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. Serve with your favorite pasta!

Freeze. Cool the sauce down to room temperature, then store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as instructed above.

more of our favorite pasta recipes

Ready in 20 minutes, lemon ricotta pasta is fresh, creamy, and packed with greens.

Seasonal farmer’s market pasta uses your favorite fresh vegetables to make the best light pasta recipe ever.

Rigatoni al forno is an extra comforting meal with tons of cheese, a meaty homemade sauce, and fresh herbs.

Finally, if you make this pasta pomodoro recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!