Recipe for Penne Pasta: A Delicious Italian Delight

Pasta is a comfort food that brings people together with its rich flavors, textures, and versatility. Among the various pasta types, penne—shaped like small tubes with angled ends—is perfect for holding onto sauces, herbs, and seasonings, making each bite full of flavor. Here, we’ll walk through a classic and simple recipe for penne pasta with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, enhanced by herbs, garlic, and a touch of cheese.

Ingredients:
For a serving of approximately 4 people, you’ll need:

Pasta:
● 2 cups of penne pasta
Sauce:
● 2 tablespoons of olive oil
● 1 onion, finely chopped
● 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
● 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes or 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
● Salt and pepper to taste
● 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
● 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes (adjust according to preference)
● 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
● Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Garnish:
● Parmesan cheese, grated (about ¼ cup)
● Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
1. Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water—this helps to flavor the pasta from the inside.
2. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes for an al dente texture, where the pasta is tender but still has a slight firmness.
4. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's consistency later.
5. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato-Based Sauce
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or chopped fresh tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture) and stir well.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (to counterbalance the tomato’s natural acidity).
6. Add the red chili flakes for a subtle heat kick, and sprinkle the Italian herbs over the sauce.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
1. Once the sauce has reached a rich consistency, add the cooked penne pasta directly into the pan.
2. Toss the pasta in the sauce until each piece is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
3. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding a bit more salt or pepper if necessary.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
1. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta, allowing it to melt slightly and add a creamy, savory touch.
2. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
3. Serve the pasta hot, with extra Parmesan and chili flakes on the side for those who want a more intense flavor.

Tips and Variations
1. Add Vegetables: To make the dish more nutritious, add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté them after the onions and garlic for a heartier sauce.
2. Protein Options: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some crispy bacon bits to give the pasta a protein boost.
3. Creamy Version: For a creamy tomato pasta, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end of cooking for a velvety texture.
4. Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if available for enhanced flavor.
5. Pasta Substitutes: If you don’t have penne, try using rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce well.

Why Penne Pasta?
Penne pasta is a favorite in Italian cuisine because of its ridged surface and hollow tube shape, which capture sauces well. This recipe is also flexible and can easily be adjusted based on what ingredients are on hand.

With this easy penne pasta recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting Italian meal at home. The combination of tomato, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan makes for a classic, rich taste that’s hard to beat. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal!