Penne Pasta with Marinara
A simple yet delicious penne pasta dish with homemade marinara sauce made from whole San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs that is perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cooking Ingredients
- 1 pound dried penne pasta Holds onto the sauce effectively.
- Kosher salt for boiling water Seasons pasta while cooking.
- Additional fresh basil for garnish Provides a pop of color and flavor.
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 1 28-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes with puree Essential for a flavorful base.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Adds richness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed Infuses the sauce with robust flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste Enhances the tomato essence.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Balances flavors and elevates taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adds a subtle heat.
- 2 sprigs fresh basil or oregano Use as fresh herbs for aroma.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt.
- Pour the tomatoes and puree into a bowl and crush them with your hands or the back of a spoon, then set aside.
- In a large cold skillet, add the extra virgin olive oil along with garlic cloves. Bring to medium heat and cook until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Toss in the basil sprigs and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in the boiling salted water until it is 2 minutes shy of the suggested cooking time.
- Transfer the pasta directly into the simmering sauce to finish cooking. Toss to coat and add a bit of pasta water if the sauce appears dry.
Finishing Touches
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Always use high-quality tomatoes; San Marzano are known for their sweet flavor and low acidity. Add a splash of pasta cooking water to your sauce for a silkier texture. This recipe is suitable for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.