Creamy Tomato Penne in Cream Sauce

why make this recipe

Creamy Penne with Tomato and Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the richness of cream. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to prepare a comforting meal quickly. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you have guests over, as it requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in no time.

how to make Creamy Penne with Tomato and Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

• 300 g penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or passata
• 1 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (or baby spinach)

Directions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
7. If using, add butter for extra shine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or spinach before serving.

how to serve Creamy Penne with Tomato and Cream Sauce

Serve this creamy penne hot, straight from the skillet. You can place it in a serving bowl or on individual plates. A side salad and garlic bread pair well with it, making it a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor!

how to store Creamy Penne with Tomato and Cream Sauce

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.

tips to make Creamy Penne with Tomato and Cream Sauce

• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
• For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance the taste, so feel free to toss them in just before serving.

variation

You can customize this recipe by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also replace the regular cream with a lighter version or use a dairy-free alternative for a healthier twist.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat penne pasta?
Yes, whole wheat penne will work well and add more fiber to the dish.

Is it possible to freeze the leftovers?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately. Cooked pasta may become mushy once thawed.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and flour for a lighter option, but the texture may differ from the original recipe.

Creamy Penne with Tomato and Cream Sauce

A delightful dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the richness of cream, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 300 g penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or passata
• 1 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (or baby spinach)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant.

Cooking

• Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
• Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
• If using, add butter for extra shine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves or spinach before serving.

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance the taste, so feel free to toss them in just before serving. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.

Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Penne, Easy Pasta Recipe, quick dinner, Tomato Cream Sauce