Penne Pasta with Marinara
A comforting and satisfying dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, making it ideal for health-conscious families.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne Pasta Can substitute with your favorite pasta shape.
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 28 oz Whole Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes Rich flavor and smooth texture.
- 2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Adds depth and richness.
- 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Smash for maximum flavor release.
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Concentrates tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil or Oregano For garnish and flavor enhancement.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients on the counter for an organized cooking experience.
- Rinse the fresh basil or oregano under cool water, pat dry, and set aside.
- Peel and smash the garlic cloves for maximum flavor release.
- Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat, which takes about 7-10 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add smashed garlic to the oil, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, turning golden but not browned.
- Carefully add the canned San Marzano tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon, along with the tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serving
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a cup of the cooking water.
- Add the drained penne straight into the marinara sauce, tossing to coat all the pasta.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Finish with fresh basil or oregano leaves, stirring gently before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Notes
Use freshly cracked black pepper for more flavor. For meal prepping, store cooked pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers.