Description
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce made from sautéed aromatics, Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Fresh basil finishes the dish, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce (about 24 oz)
- Dash of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped, for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Add a dash of sugar along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors and thicken.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta well.
- Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the creamy pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot. For extra flavor, optionally garnish with additional parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily.
- Do not overcook garlic during sauté to prevent bitterness.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and creaminess.
- Simmering the sauce slowly enhances depth and richness.
- This dish can be made vegetarian if the pasta sauce and parmesan comply with dietary preferences.
