There’s something so timeless about a bowl of pasta coated in bright tomato sauce, and that’s exactly what penne pomodoro delivers. This dish is all about using basic pantry ingredients to create something flavorful and satisfying. In this article, we’ll walk through my own story with penne pomodoro, what makes this dish so popular, how it differs from other tomato-based pastas, and exactly how to make it. We’ll also answer some common questions—like how Carrabba’s puts their own spin on it—so you can confidently whip this up in your own kitchen.
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Penne Pomodoro: Simple, Saucy, and Full of Comfort
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This penne pomodoro recipe is a quick, flavorful Italian pasta with a fresh tomato sauce made from pantry staples. Perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 (28 oz) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Optional: red pepper flakes, Parmesan
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–12 minutes.
4. Add drained penne and a splash of pasta water. Toss well.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Serve hot with optional Parmesan.
Notes
Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
Don’t overcook garlic—remove from heat if it browns too fast.
Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Penne Pomodoro Memories from My Family Table
I still remember the first time I helped my mom make penne pomodoro. I must’ve been around ten, barely tall enough to reach the stove, but she let me stir the sauce like it was the most important job in the world. She’d toss in fresh basil right at the end and say, “Now it smells like summer.” And she was right—every time we made it, our whole kitchen filled with that rich, garlicky aroma that made you hungry instantly.
Back then, I didn’t know that “pomodoro” just meant “tomato” in Italian. To me, it meant home. This was the meal she’d throw together on busy nights when we didn’t have time for something fancy but still wanted something good. It was simple, but it didn’t feel like we were missing out. In fact, it’s still one of my go-to comfort dishes, especially when I need something fast but satisfying.
Now when I make penne pomodoro for my own family, I always smile when the sauce starts to bubble and the pasta is just about al dente. That moment—when everything comes together—is still magic. And I hope this recipe brings a little of that joy to your kitchen, too.
If you’re into fast, flavor-packed meals that don’t rely on complicated ingredients, you might also enjoy the Marry Me Chickpeas recipe on my blog. It shares that same cozy, reliable feeling.
Why Simple Tomato Pasta Recipes Stick With Us
There’s something powerful about the meals we make most often. Penne pomodoro doesn’t rely on fancy tricks or ingredients you have to track down at a specialty store. It’s just pasta, good canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. And yet—it hits every time.
That’s why dishes like this stay with us. They’re easy enough to pull together on a weeknight, but they taste like something you’d get in a little trattoria. That balance of ease and flavor is hard to beat. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love it, picky eaters don’t complain, and it works as a base if you want to add extras like meatballs, sausage, or even roasted veggies.
The simplicity also means the ingredients really matter. That’s why I always say to use the best canned tomatoes you can get and don’t skimp on the fresh basil. Just like with how to make pistachio butter, the quality of your core ingredients makes all the difference.
What Makes Penne Pomodoro Special
What is Penne Pomodoro?
Penne pomodoro is one of those dishes that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something memorable. At its core, it’s penne pasta tossed in a light, fresh tomato sauce—typically made with garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. The word “pomodoro” means tomato in Italian, and this sauce is meant to be light and clean, not weighed down by heavy ingredients or overcooked flavors.
What makes penne pomodoro stand out is its balance. The sauce is bright and vibrant from the tomatoes but mellowed by the sweetness of sautéed garlic and a touch of salt. It’s not spicy or complicated—it’s the kind of dish that’s meant to highlight the quality of your ingredients and your technique.
You’ll see variations across households and restaurants, but the essence remains the same: al dente pasta, smooth tomato sauce, and a finish of fresh basil or Parmesan if desired. It’s the kind of meal that can go from weeknight dinner to dinner party side without missing a beat.
If you enjoy light, flavorful sauces that don’t overpower, you might like pairing this dish with something like a keto Japanese BBQ sauce glazed grilled chicken or seared tofu for a balanced meal
Penne vs. Other Pasta Shapes in Pomodoro Sauce
Why penne? Great question. Penne pasta has ridges and a hollow center, which are both perfect for grabbing onto that silky pomodoro sauce. While spaghetti or angel hair might slide through the sauce, penne catches every drop—making each bite just as flavorful as the last.
The tubular shape of penne also makes it ideal for casual family meals. It holds up well during cooking and reheating, unlike more delicate pastas that can get mushy. And because the ends are cut on a diagonal, they scoop sauce more efficiently than you might expect. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big impact when you’re twirling it on your fork.
When compared to other pasta dishes like rigatoni alla vodka or spaghetti marinara, penne pomodoro stays in its own lane. It’s not about richness or spice—it’s about lightness, freshness, and the pure flavor of tomatoes. It’s a dish that pairs beautifully with a protein bagel breakfast or a crisp salad lunch without feeling heavy.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
What is Pomodoro Sauce Made Of?
PomodoPenne pomodoro is beloved for its clean, simple ingredients that still pack in plenty of flavor. This dish doesn’t need anything fancy—just fresh, pantry staples that come together fast. To make penne pomodoro, you’ll need:
- Extra-virgin olive oil – for a rich base
- Fresh garlic – sliced or minced for sharp, sweet flavor
- Crushed San Marzano tomatoes – known for their natural sweetness and deep flavor
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper – to season and balance
- Fresh basil – added last for aroma and freshness
- Optional: red pepper flakes or pasta water – for a hint of heat or smoother texture
What makes penne pomodoro truly stand out is how balanced it is. The garlic is never overpowering, the tomatoes taste bright and clean, and the basil finishes everything with a fresh pop. There’s no need for onions, sugar, or cream—just real, honest flavor.
Because penne pomodoro uses so few ingredients, the quality really shines through. Always use good canned tomatoes and fresh basil for the best result. This light, wholesome sauce also makes penne pomodoro a great base for building on—whether with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a fried egg on top.
Just like the recipes I share for thoughtful, real-life meals like fluffy cottage cheese cloud bread, penne pomodoro is the kind of dish you’ll keep coming back to.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Penne Pomodoro
Here’s how to make penne pomodoro in under 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but tasty enough for guests.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook penne pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente (save ½ cup of pasta water before draining) |
| 2 | While pasta cooks, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat until just golden |
| 3 | Add crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally |
| 4 | Stir in cooked penne pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed; cook together for 1–2 minutes |
| 5 | Turn off heat and finish with torn basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan |
Once combined, penne pomodoro becomes a silky, hearty dish that still feels light. The sauce clings to the ridged pasta beautifully, making every bite rich with flavor. You can serve it on its own or pair it with a crisp salad or something chilled and refreshing like this pineapple cucumber salad.
Penne pomodoro is also excellent for meal prep. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend. Whether you’re making it fresh or storing a batch for later, it’s the kind of meal that never disappoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is penne pomodoro?
Penne pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish made with penne pasta and a smooth tomato-based sauce. The sauce includes garlic, olive oil, basil, and crushed tomatoes. It’s light, fast, and full of fresh flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners.
What is pomodoro sauce made of?
Pomodoro sauce typically includes crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. It’s simmered briefly to keep the flavors fresh and clean, making it a perfect pairing for pasta like penne.
Is pomodoro different from marinara?
Yes, pomodoro is smoother and more delicate, while marinara is chunkier, more robust, and simmered longer. Marinara often includes onions or herbs like oregano, whereas pomodoro keeps it simple.
What is penne pomodoro at Carrabba’s?
At Carrabba’s, penne pomodoro includes penne pasta in a bright tomato sauce, often topped with Parmesan and olive oil. You can recreate it at home with high-quality ingredients and simple techniques.
Conclusion
Penne pomodoro is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create something that feels special, whether it’s a quick solo dinner or a cozy family meal. It’s flexible, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying. Keep it traditional or add your own flair. Either way, this dish belongs in your regular rotation.
If you’re craving another wholesome, quick-fix meal, you’ll also enjoy the comfort of my marry me chickpeas or even a protein-packed breakfast like these keto breakfast bowls.
