Easy Marinara Sauce & Penne Pasta Recipe | Delicious Italian Dinner

Craving a comforting and delicious Italian dinner that's quick to prepare? Look no further than this simple yet satisfying recipe for Penne with Marinara Sauce. This classic dish is a weeknight staple, perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates the art of uncomplicated, flavorful food. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; this recipe uses readily available pantry staples to create a meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly elegant. The vibrant red sauce clings perfectly to the perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that will delight your senses.

We've crafted this recipe with ease and speed in mind, prioritizing fresh ingredients and straightforward instructions. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe surprisingly accessible. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create some delicious Penne with Marinara Sauce!

Tools Needed

  • Cooker
  • Bowl
  • Kettle

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Garlic: 4 cloves
  • Shaved Parmesan: 500 grams
  • Fresh penne pasta: 500 grams
  • Fresh basil: a handful
  • Peeled plum tomatoes (canned): 1 can (400 grams)
  • Medium onion: 1
  • Vine-ripened tomatoes: 6
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

  • Dice the onion finely.
  • Remove the skins from the vine-ripened tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water. Then, remove seeds.
  • Peel and finely chop the garlic.
  • Heat olive oil in a cooker on low heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add salt to draw out moisture. Do not brown.
Dice the onion finely.Remove the skins from the vine-ripened tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water. Then, remove seeds.Peel and finely chop the garlic.Heat olive oil in a cooker on low heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add salt to draw out moisture. Do not brown.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce
  • Add the vine-ripened tomatoes and canned tomatoes. Stir and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Season with black pepper, salt, and half a tablespoon of sugar. Add basil leaves and stir.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last few minutes of cooking, add shaved Parmesan to the sauce.
Add the vine-ripened tomatoes and canned tomatoes. Stir and simmer for about 15 minutes.Season with black pepper, salt, and half a tablespoon of sugar. Add basil leaves and stir.Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last few minutes of cooking, add shaved Parmesan to the sauce.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce

Step 2. Cook the Pasta

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last few minutes of cooking, add shaved Parmesan to the sauce.
Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last few minutes of cooking, add shaved Parmesan to the sauce.
Cook the Pasta

Step 3. Combine Sauce and Pasta

  • Toss cooked pasta with the sauce (add more sauce if desired).
Toss cooked pasta with the sauce (add more sauce if desired).
Combine Sauce and Pasta

Step 4. Serve and Garnish

  • Serve the pasta, topped with chicken (optional), more Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
Serve the pasta, topped with chicken (optional), more Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
Serve and Garnish

Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe

Tips

  • Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • The amount of garlic, Parmesan, and sugar is adjustable to your preference.
  • Use penne pasta with grooves to better hold the sauce.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta shapes instead of penne?

Absolutely! Use any short pasta shape you prefer, like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.

2. How can I make this marinara sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. You can also use a spicier type of tomato.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving with the pasta.


This simple Penne with Marinara Sauce recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don't need to be complicated. Enjoy this comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Buon appetito!