20 Minute Penne Pasta (Printable)
Quick penne pasta with garlicky tomato sauce, ready in 20 minutes for easy weeknight dinners.
# What you need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
02 - Salt, for pasta water
→ Sauce
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
05 - 1 small onion, finely diced
06 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
11 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
→ Finishing
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
03 - Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
04 - Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
05 - Stir in chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts and pasta is evenly coated.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Its faster than delivery and tastes infinitely better
- The sauce clings to every curve of the penne thanks to the pasta water trick
- You probably have everything in your pantry right now
02 -
- The pasta water trick is non-negotiable, it creates that restaurant-quality silky coating
- Don't rinse your pasta after draining or the sauce won't stick
03 -
- Grate your Parmesan fresh from the block for better melting
- Add chili flakes to the oil with garlic for infused heat