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Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 35 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy tomato and basil penne pasta recipe combines a rich tomato and basil pasta sauce with heavy cream and parmesan cheese for a velvety, flavorful dish. Easy to prepare in about 45 minutes, it features sautéed onions and garlic, simmered sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed together and topped with fresh basil for a comforting Italian-style meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced small
  • 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce (approximately 24 oz)
  • Dash of sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Pasta

  • 1 lb penne pasta

For Garnish

  • Fresh basil, for topping

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  2. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce into the skillet. Add a dash of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  4. Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed and mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top the creamy pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, add extra parmesan cheese and basil for garnish.

Notes

  • Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing as it can become bitter.
  • Simmering the sauce slowly helps deepen the flavors and improve texture.
  • Reserving pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Fresh basil added just before serving gives the dish a bright herbal note.
  • Use high-quality parmesan for best flavor impact.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/creamy-tomato-and-basil-penne-pasta-recipe/