Description
This Juicy Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines perfectly cooked penne with a rich, buttery tomato sauce, infused with garlic and fresh basil. The cherry tomatoes are gently simmered until juicy and tender, complementing the pasta with a burst of natural sweetness and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a comforting yet light meal, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 pints (2 1/4 lbs) sweet cherry or grape tomatoes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Ground Parmesan cheese, to taste
- Large handful of fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 11-13 minutes. Do not drain the pasta after cooking.
- Prepare Tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside to be added later in the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices and the sauce thickens slightly. During this time, thinly slice the fresh basil into ribbons.
- Add Cheese: Stir in a handful of ground Parmesan cheese to the tomato sauce, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Using a fine mesh strainer, lift the cooked pasta directly from the boiling water and add it to the tomato sauce in the skillet. It’s fine if some pasta water clings, as it helps to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Basil: Toss in the sliced basil leaves and stir to distribute the fresh herbs throughout the pasta.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and add more salt and pepper if needed. Portion the pasta into serving bowls and garnish each with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Do not drain the pasta completely; some pasta water helps loosen the sauce and improve texture.
- For stronger garlic flavor, increase garlic slices or lightly brown them, but be careful not to burn.
- Using fresh cherry tomatoes is best, but canned cherry tomatoes can be substituted if out of season.
- Fresh basil is key to the dish’s flavor; add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant taste.
- Adjust butter and olive oil quantities for a lighter or richer sauce according to preference.
