If you’re craving a warm, cozy, and satisfying pasta dish, Penne Pomodoro is the answer. This classic recipe celebrates the simplicity of Italian comfort food, using just a few fresh ingredients to create bold flavor. With its rich Pomodoro sauce, made from San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, this dish transforms into something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s not only an easy pasta recipe, but also a favorite choice for weeknight meals across the U.S. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this penne pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen for all the right reasons.
What is Penne Pomodoro?
Penne Pomodoro is a traditional Italian recipe made with pasta and a simple tomato sauce. The word “pomodoro” means tomato in Italian. It uses basic ingredients like fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. This dish is a type of authentic Italian pasta that’s easy to cook and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick pasta dinner or a weeknight dinner when you want something warm and comforting.
If you’re wondering what is penne pomodoro, it’s a dish that focuses on freshness. You don’t need any cream or heavy cheese. It is often served as a vegetarian pasta and works great as a kid-friendly pasta recipe. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. It doesn’t need fancy ingredients. Just pure, bright flavors in every bite of this simple tomato pasta.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Penne Pomodoro
To make a great penne pasta recipe, you need the right ingredients. Start with San Marzano tomatoes or any ripe fresh tomatoes. They create the base for your homemade pasta sauce. Add minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and lots of fresh basil. These simple ingredients give your dish that rich, fresh flavor.
You’ll also need dry penne pasta. Knowing how to cook pasta al dente is important here. Pasta should be firm, not mushy. If you’re curious about what tomatoes to use for pomodoro sauce, San Marzano or Roma tomatoes are perfect. They are sweet and low in acid, which makes the sauce taste smooth and fresh.
How to Make Penne Pomodoro – Step-by-Step Instructions
Many ask how to make penne pomodoro, and it’s easier than it sounds. First, cook the penne pasta in salted water until it’s al dente pasta. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute. Then, add your crushed fresh tomatoes and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Once your sauce thickens, add fresh basil and stir. Drain the pasta and mix it directly into the sauce. Let it sit in the sauce for a minute to absorb flavor. This method, also called finishing pasta in sauce, makes every bite rich. This technique creates the best tomato basil pasta recipe you’ll ever try at home.
Homemade Penne Pomodoro with Garlic and Fresh Tomatoes
Making penne pomodoro from scratch brings out the best in every ingredient. Using garlic tomato penne pasta instead of bottled sauces keeps the flavor fresh and natural. The garlic is not just for taste, it also adds depth and aroma. Cooking your own homemade pasta sauce is healthier and more flavorful than store-bought.
The charm of garlic and basil pasta lies in the balance. The garlic shouldn’t overpower, and the tomatoes should be the star. Once you make it yourself, you’ll notice the difference. It turns into real Italian comfort food, right in your kitchen. This is the reason people fall in love with this easy yet powerful dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Penne Pomodoro
Getting the sauce right is key. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to cook the Pomodoro sauce evenly. Let it simmer slowly, not boil. That keeps the tomato flavor from turning sour. If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. It balances the taste.
Want your easy pasta recipe to shine? Always use al dente pasta and fresh herbs. Toss the pasta in the sauce instead of just pouring the sauce over it. Stir in a spoon of pasta water if the sauce is too thick. That brings the sauce together and coats every piece of penne.
What to Serve with Penne Pomodoro
If you’re wondering what goes with tomato basil pasta, think light and fresh. A crisp green salad with lemon dressing works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want some protein.
Many Americans enjoy pairing this with red wine or sparkling water. If you’re making easy dinner recipes with pasta for kids, serve it with cheese sticks or fruit salad. It balances the acidity of the tomato.
Common Variations: From Carrabba’s Style to Instant Pot
There are fun twists on the original penne pomodoro. One is Carrabba’s Pomodoro, inspired by the restaurant version. It uses more herbs and sometimes grated Parmesan cheese. It tastes a little richer and works well for dinner parties.
The second variation is Instant Pot pasta. It’s fast and great for busy families. You put everything in the pot: pasta, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Then stir in basil. This turns the dish into a super fast weeknight dinner option.
Is Penne Pomodoro Vegan or Vegetarian?
If you’re asking vegan penne pomodoro recipe, the answer is yes. Just make sure the pasta you use doesn’t have eggs. Traditional penne pomodoro is fully vegan unless cheese is added on top. You can skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast.
Some people wonder does pomodoro sauce have cheese. No, not by default. Cheese is added later as a topping. That makes it easy to switch between vegan and vegetarian versions. This flexibility is what makes vegetarian pasta recipes like this so popular.
Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep Tips
So, can I freeze penne pomodoro? Yes. Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It lasts 3 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat gently to keep the pasta from breaking.
This is also great for kid-friendly pasta recipes. Make a big batch and pack it in lunchboxes. Just keep the cheese separate to prevent sogginess. Below is a quick storage guide:
| Storage Type | Duration | Notes |
| Fridge (sealed) | 3 days | Best for daily use |
| Freezer (sealed) | 2 months | Thaw overnight before reheating |
| Lunchbox (no cheese) | 6-8 hours | Add cheese before eating |
This dish proves that penne pomodoro from scratch is not only easy, it’s also practical and loved across generations. Whether you follow the Carrabba’s Pomodoro style or try the Instant Pot pasta version, you’re in for a bowl of joy.
FAQs
Q: What is penne pomodoro?
A: Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta made with penne, tomato sauce, garlic, and basil.
Q: What is pomodoro sauce made of?
A: Pomodoro sauce is made of fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.
Q: Is pomodoro different from marinara?
A: Yes, Pomodoro is smoother and simpler, while marinara is chunkier and may include onions or herbs.
Q: What is penne pomodoro Carrabba’s?
A: It’s Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s version of penne pomodoro, often richer with extra herbs and Parmesan.
