Description
A simple and flavorful Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta dish made with pantry staples and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this vegetarian recipe is light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
- 400g penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon mixed herbs or Italian seasoning
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you have on hand.
- Fresh basil adds the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted in a pinch.
- Add cooked chicken or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
- This dish is perfect for lunch leftovers the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
