20 Minute Penne Pasta (Printable)
Quick penne pasta with garlicky tomato sauce, ready in 20 minutes for easy weeknight dining.
# What's Needed:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces penne pasta
02 - Salt for pasta water
→ Sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
05 - 1 small onion, finely diced
06 - 14 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste
11 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
→ Finishing
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
04 - Transfer drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve silky consistency.
05 - Stir in chopped basil and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts and pasta is evenly coated.
06 - Plate immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- It comes together faster than delivery, but the sauce tastes like it simmered for hours
- The secret splash of pasta water makes everything creamy without any heavy cream
02 -
- The pasta water trick works because the starch helps sauce cling to every piece of penne
- Skip the chili flakes if you are serving kids or anyone sensitive to heat
03 -
- Whole wheat penne works beautifully here and adds extra fiber without changing the flavor
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pregrated for better melting and flavor