Dive into the vibrant world of Italian cuisine with our Heirloom Tomato Pomodoro Penne Pasta! This dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients, featuring luscious heirloom tomatoes that burst with flavor and a fragrant garlic-basil sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it an irresistible choice for pasta lovers. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 heirloom tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the heirloom tomato sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the diced heirloom tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Stir to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the tomatoes have softened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Allow the sauce to simmer gently while the pasta finishes cooking, stirring occasionally.
- When the penne pasta is cooked to al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the heirloom tomato pomodoro penne pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes: The star of this dish is the heirloom tomatoes, so opt for the ripest ones you can find. Look for tomatoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have vibrant colors for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Salt in the Pasta Water: Salting the boiling water enhances the flavor of the pasta. It should taste like the sea! This is your chance to infuse flavor right from the start.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is a fantastic way to adjust the consistency of your sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. This will ensure a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Fresh Basil is Key: For the best flavor, use fresh basil rather than dried. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and aromatic qualities.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t hold back on the grated Parmesan cheese! A generous sprinkle on top not only adds flavor but also a beautiful finishing touch.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your dish by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or even protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
