Penne with tomato sauce and basil

Penne with tomato and basil sauce: A classic recipe full of flavor

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Do you want a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal? Then the penne with tomato and basil sauce recipe is the ideal choice! This simple yet refined recipe will take you straight to the heart of Italian cuisine, with fresh flavors and quality ingredients.

A bit of history
Pasta has been invented for thousands of years, but the combination of pasta with tomato sauce is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. Tomatoes, once considered exotic, have become a staple ingredient in many dishes, and tomato sauce has evolved over the centuries, blending various flavors and cooking techniques. This penne with tomato and basil sauce recipe offers you an authentic culinary experience that combines tradition with the freshness of ingredients.

Necessary ingredients
- 250 g penne (about ½ box, preferably Barilla for perfect texture)
- 4 large fresh basil leaves
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 4 large tomatoes (or 4 tablespoons of tomato paste)
- 100 ml rosé wine (for a more complex flavor)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil (for a rich taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of peperoncino (optional, for a touch of spice)
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

Preparing the ingredients
Before you start cooking, it is essential to prepare all the ingredients. Peel the onion and chop it finely or grate it. The carrot is peeled and then finely grated. If you are using fresh tomatoes, I recommend blanching them quickly in boiling water for 30 seconds to remove the skin more easily. If you choose the paste, make sure it is of high quality for a tasty sauce.

Step by step: Cooking the penne
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt (about 1-2 tablespoons) to flavor the pasta.
2. When the water is boiling, add the penne and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Preparing the tomato sauce
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, stirring constantly until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of peperoncino if you prefer a spicy sauce.
5. Deglaze with the rosé wine, allowing the flavors to blend for 2-3 minutes. The wine will add a note of acidity and complexity to the sauce.
6. Add the grated tomatoes or the thin paste. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you are using fresh tomatoes, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.

Combining the pasta with the sauce
7. When the penne are ready, drain them and quickly rinse them with warm water to stop the cooking. This step is essential for achieving a perfect texture.
8. Add the penne to the skillet with the tomato sauce and gently mix to coat them evenly. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
9. Before serving, add the freshly torn basil leaves for a touch of freshness.

Serving
10. Serve the penne with tomato and basil sauce in a large bowl, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan on top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end will enhance the flavors.

Serving recommendations
This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of rosé or a semi-dry red wine, which will complement the flavors of the tomato sauce. You can also add a fresh green salad with a simple lemon dressing, which will provide a refreshing contrast.

Possible variations
- You can add roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for extra textures and flavors.
- For a protein-rich version, add diced chicken or shrimp to the sauce during cooking.
- If you want a vegetarian recipe, you can add black olives or capers for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional information
A serving of penne with tomato and basil sauce contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of Parmesan used. Pasta is an excellent source of carbohydrates, and tomatoes provide important antioxidants, such as lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is a healthy choice and will provide a slightly different but delicious taste.

2. How can I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Make sure you have enough water in the pot and stir the pasta in the first few minutes of boiling.

3. What can I do with leftover sauce?
The tomato sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

4. How can I add more protein?
You can add Ricotta cheese or a mix of cheeses to the sauce to make it creamier and more nutritious.

This penne with tomato and basil sauce recipe will not only impress your family and friends but will also become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite and savor the authentic flavors as if you were in an Italian trattoria, right in the comfort of your home!