Vibrant Tomato Basil Penne with Nutty Pine Crust
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summertime with this Vibrant Tomato Basil Penne with Nutty Pine Crust. This recipe brings together the sweetness of ripe plum tomatoes and the aromatic touch of fresh basil, all harmoniously tossed with al dente penne pasta. The addition of toasted pine nuts adds a nutty crunch that elevates the dish to gourmet levels. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this pasta dish is both refreshing and satisfying. Share it with friends and family for a taste of fresh Italian cuisine that can be prepared in no time!
4
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
4 1/2 ounces (Uncooked)
Olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
Plum tomatoes
6 large (Peeled and coarsely chopped)
Fresh thyme
1 sprig or 1/4 teaspoon dried (Optional, remove after cooking)
Fresh basil
1 cup (Julienne-cut)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Fresh ground pepper
To taste (N/A)
Pine nuts
2 tablespoons (Toasted)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the coarsely chopped tomatoes and thyme. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes heat through and release their juices, while still retaining some of their shape; this should take about 5 minutes.
4
Once the tomatoes are ready, remove and discard the fresh thyme sprig if used. Incorporate the julienne-cut basil and the drained pasta into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is heated through, about 2 minutes.
5
Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top for a delightful crunch before serving.
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
1g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Vibrant Tomato Basil Penne with Nutty Pine Crust.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this penne?
There are 150 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses penne pasta.
How much uncooked penne pasta do I need?
You will need 4 1/2 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this dish?
Plum tomatoes are used for their sweetness and texture.
How many plum tomatoes should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 6 large plum tomatoes.
Do the tomatoes need any special preparation?
Yes, the plum tomatoes should be peeled and coarsely chopped.
How much onion is needed for the base?
You need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much olive oil should be used for sautéing?
Use 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 chopped garlic cloves.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of 1 fresh sprig.
When should I remove the fresh thyme sprig?
Remove and discard the thyme sprig after the tomatoes have cooked but before adding the pasta.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The basil should be julienne-cut.
What quantity of fresh basil is required?
You will need 1 cup of fresh basil.
What provides the nutty texture in this recipe?
Toasted pine nuts provide the nutty crust and crunch.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving contains 3.75g of protein.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 5.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
Yes, it contains 1g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is 1.5g of sugar per serving.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and tender.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook in the skillet?
The tomatoes should cook for about 5 minutes until they release their juices.
What is the final step before serving the pasta?
The final step is to sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top.
How do I cook the penne pasta?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package directions.
How do I season this dish?
Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Is this dish considered a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and can be prepared in no time.
What style of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is a taste of fresh Italian cuisine.
How many pine nuts are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts.