Savory Cherry Tomato and Basil Penne
This Savory Cherry Tomato and Basil Penne is a delightful, quick meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes meld beautifully with fragrant garlic and aromatic basil, while perfectly cooked penne provides the ideal base. This dish is simple yet full of flavor, and pairs wonderfully with a crisp dinner salad and your favorite glass of wine. Elevate your weeknight dinners with this satisfying pasta that celebrates summer's best ingredients!
4
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne Rigate
1 lb (uncooked)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Ripe Cherry Tomatoes
1 pint (sliced in half (approximately 1.5 cups))
Fresh Basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Dried Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon (adjust to spice preference)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne rigate according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
4
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
5
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the tomato and garlic mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta.
6
Mix in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
7
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
50g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cherry Tomato and Basil Penne?
It is a quick, flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish made with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Penne Rigate.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses pasta, vegetables, oil, and cheese.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
How much olive oil do I need?
You will need 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Do I need to peel the cherry tomatoes?
No, the cherry tomatoes should be sliced in half and cooked until they soften.
What is the purpose of the reserved pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is added a little at a time to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
What are the main seasonings used?
The main seasonings are salt, black pepper, and dried red pepper flakes.
How much fresh basil should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 8.75g of protein.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it closely to ensure it doesn't brown.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 17.5g of fat per serving.
What should I serve with this pasta?
It pairs wonderfully with a crisp dinner salad and a glass of wine.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the recommended preparation for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be sliced in half, totaling approximately 1.5 cups.
What type of olive oil is suggested?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing.
What cheese is recommended for topping?
Grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for serving.
How do I know when the tomatoes are ready?
They are ready when they begin to soften and release their juices, usually after 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan alternative.
What texture should the pasta have?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Is this a quick recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a quick meal perfect for busy weeknights.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of uncooked Penne Rigate.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can I add more basil?
Yes, you can top the dish with additional basil if desired.