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.

Penne Pomodoro Recipe: 5-Step Simple Pasta with Bold Flavor

Name: Penne Pomodoro: Simple, Saucy, and Full of Comfort
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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