Description
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta combines a rich, flavorful Bertolli Tomato and Basil Sauce with sautéed aromatics and a luscious blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, topped with fresh basil for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce (approximately 24 oz)
- Dash of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Finishing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Add a dash of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your preference. Mix well 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 each piece of pasta evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy tomato and basil penne pasta immediately, topped with freshly chopped basil. Optional: add extra Parmesan cheese and basil for garnish.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing; it should be fragrant and translucent.
- Simmering the sauce helps deepen the flavor and thicken the consistency.
- Reserving pasta water is important to adjust the sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
- Use fresh basil for a bright herbaceous finish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end to balance the flavors based on your taste preference.
