Hearty Creamy Tomato Penne
This delightful dish is a perfect reinterpretation of the classic Penne alla Vodka, created when I found myself without vodka. The rich and creamy tomato sauce, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, elevates this pasta to new heights of flavor. The absence of vodka surprisingly allows the natural sweetness of the tomatoes to shine through, complemented by a dash of seasoning and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This dish not only pleases the palate but is also a hit with the whole family. Enjoy it paired with savory grilled Italian sausage for a satisfying meal that's both elegant and simple.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
5 tablespoons (melted)
Garlic cloves
4 (finely chopped)
Crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Onion powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
Fresh basil leaves
6-8 (chiffonade)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch (none)
Penne pasta
1 lb (cooked (can use rigatoni))
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3/4 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta.
2
In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy.
3
Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
6
After 5 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
7
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat each piece thoroughly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
50g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Creamy Tomato Penne?
It is a rich and creamy tomato-based pasta dish inspired by Penne alla Vodka, but created without vodka to let the tomato sweetness shine.
Is there vodka in this recipe?
No, this version omits vodka while maintaining a flavor profile similar to Penne alla Vodka.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 600 calories in a serving of this dish.
What type of pasta can I use?
The recipe calls for penne pasta, but rigatoni is also a great alternative.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
You should use 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes.
How much butter is used to start the sauce?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of butter.
What is the total fat content?
The dish contains 35g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this pasta provide?
This recipe provides 17.5g of protein per serving.
What seasonings are used for the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes until it is golden brown and fragrant.
How much heavy cream is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
What type of cheese is used for garnish?
It uses 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The 6-8 fresh basil leaves should be cut into a chiffonade.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It contains a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a very mild heat.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
How long does the tomato mixture simmer?
The tomato and spice mixture should simmer for 5 minutes before adding the cream.
When do I add the heavy cream?
Add the heavy cream after the tomato mixture has simmered for 5 minutes, then cook for 2 more minutes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
What side dish is recommended with this meal?
It pairs very well with savory grilled Italian sausage.
How much onion powder is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a hit with the whole family.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The butter should be melted over medium heat until foamy before adding the garlic.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using kosher salt.
How much black pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this a one-pot recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot recipe for easier cleanup.
What are the primary tags for this dish?
Tags include pasta, creamy sauce, Italian cuisine, tomato sauce, and home cooking.
What is the main technique for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked according to package instructions until it is al dente.