Creamy Tomato Basil Penne
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Creamy Tomato Basil Penne, a rich and comforting pasta dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from a harmonious blend of half-and-half cream, chicken broth, and a touch of tomato paste, all infused with aromatic thyme and basil. Each bite is enhanced by the nutty richness of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, making it a splendid choice for your family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to impress and leave everyone reaching for seconds.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne Pasta
16 oz (Cook according to package instructions and drain.)
Onion
1/2 (Finely chopped.)
Butter
2 T. (Melted.)
Dried Thyme
2 t. (Crushed.)
Dried Basil
2 t. (Crushed.)
Half-and-Half Cream
1.5 C. (None.)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/2 C. (None.)
Tomato Paste
1 T. (None.)
Flour
2 T. (None.)
Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
1/2 C. (Grated.)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the dried thyme and basil, and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, half-and-half cream, and low-sodium chicken broth until well combined.
5
Pour the cream mixture into the skillet with the onions and herbs, and add the tomato paste. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
7
Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the sauce.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
16.25g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tomato Basil Penne?
It is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring a luscious sauce made from cream, chicken broth, tomato paste, and herbs.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using penne pasta.
How much penne pasta do I need?
You will need 16 oz of penne pasta.
What herbs are used to flavor the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried thyme and dried basil.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, although the recipe calls for dried herbs, fresh herbs can be used; just ensure you adjust the quantities accordingly.
What type of cream is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of half-and-half cream.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Heavy cream or a mixture of whole milk and butter can be used, though the texture of the sauce may vary.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth.
How much tomato paste is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
What kind of cheese should I use for the best flavor?
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is recommended for its nutty richness.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before sautéing.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion in butter for about 3-4 minutes until it is softened and translucent.
What is the role of flour in the recipe?
Flour acts as a thickening agent when whisked with the cream and broth.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Stir the cream and flour mixture continuously in the skillet for 5-7 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of vegetable broth.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5g of fat in each serving.
Is this recipe a good source of protein?
Each serving provides about 4.5g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts?
There are 16.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the flour, half-and-half, and chicken broth together in a separate bowl before adding them to the skillet.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work well with this creamy sauce.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat the pasta?
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized as Italian cuisine.
What can I garnish the dish with?
You can garnish the penne with extra grated cheese or fresh basil leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for a quick family dinner.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or cooked Italian sausage would be excellent additions.
What is the preparation time for the ingredients?
Preparation is minimal, involving only chopping half an onion and grating some cheese.
Is this a low sodium recipe?
The recipe is tagged as low sodium and utilizes low-sodium chicken broth to help manage salt content.