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–+ servings

Juicy Penne Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes And Basil

This simple penne pasta recipe is all about the sauce! Cherry tomatoes simmer in olive oil, butter, and garlic until juicy and sweet for a fast weeknight dinner. Less than 10 ingredients & ready in 20 minutes or less.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 3 pints (2 1/4 lbs) sweet cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 6 tbsp butter 
  • ground Parmesan cheese, to taste
  • large handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Salt & pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Do not drain.
  2. Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes; set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and garlic over medium-low heat. Cook the garlic for only 30 seconds.
  4. Add the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes collapse and release their juice, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the cold butter.
  5. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens (I use this time to thinly slice the basil into ribbons). Add a handful of ground Parmesan cheese to taste, and stir will to combine.
  6. With a fine mesh strainer, scoop out the pasta and add it directly to the pan. It’s OK if some of the water clings to the pasta. Stir well to coat. Note: if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen the texture.
  7. Add the basil.
  8. Taste, and season with more salt and pepper if needed. 
  9. Portion the penne pasta into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

  • To ensure your cherry tomatoes burst perfectly, keep the heat on medium-low and stir gently to avoid burning the garlic.
  • If your sauce becomes too thick, don't hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water; it helps achieve a silky texture.
  • For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage just before serving to make it a heartier meal.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; when reheating, add a little water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist.
  • Feel free to substitute penne with any short pasta shape like rigatoni or ziti; they will hold the sauce just as well.

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