I remember the first time I tried penne pasta with tomato sauce. The smell of basil, garlic, and olive oil took me to Italy. It started a love for cooking that’s stayed with me.
Penne pomodoro is a simple yet elegant dish. It uses just a few ingredients: penne pasta, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or a special dinner.
Table of contents
Introduction to Penne Pomodoro
What is Penne Pomodoro?
Penne pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish. It uses penne pasta and a tasty tomato-based sauce. The name “pomodoro” means tomato in Italian, showing the dish’s main ingredient.
This recipe started in Naples, Italy in the 19th century. It has become a favorite in Italian cuisine globally.
The dish is known for its bold tomato flavor, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. It shows the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean. Penne pomodoro is a dish that brings together all the right flavors, making it a comforting meal. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Italian food or is new to classic Italian dishes.
Making penne pomodoro takes about 20 minutes, great for a quick dinner. The sauce cooks for 10-15 minutes, blending the flavors and thickening it. Using canned whole peeled tomatoes gives a rich sauce, while fresh basil adds a bright taste.
You can make penne pomodoro even better by adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Or, try adding pan-roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a vegetarian version. It’s also delicious as leftovers, perfect for meal prep.
The History of Penne al Pomodoro
The story of penne al pomodoro, or penne with tomato sauce, starts in the early 19th century. The first recipe was published in 1837 by Ippolito Cavalcanti in “Cucina Teorico Pratica.” Cavalcanti’s recipe, “vermicelli co le pommadore,” showed how to cook the pasta and sauce. It included tomatoes, olive oil or lard, and garlic.
Over time, this dish became the penne al pomodoro we love today. Its simplicity and focus on quality have made it a favorite in Italy. It’s seen as a symbol of Italy’s rich food culture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic, grated | 2 cloves |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cherry Tomatoes, halved | 10 ounces |
| Whole Peeled Tomatoes, canned | 28 ounces |
| Penne Pasta | 12 ounces |
Neapolitan immigrants brought the dish to the United States in the late 19th century. Now, penne al pomodoro is a beloved part of Italian life. It represents family and the joy of cooking together.
“Penne al pomodoro is a dish that celebrates simple ingredients and traditional Italian cooking values.”
Selecting the Perfect Tomatoes
Choosing the right tomatoes is key to a delicious penne pomodoro. In Italy, the best tomatoes are available from May to September. Look for tomatoes that are full, crisp, and have a noticeable “freshness crunch” when gently squeezed. Soft or squishy tomatoes are too ripe and can ruin your sauce.
Some top picks for penne pomodoro include:
- Cherry tomatoes (pachino)
- Piccadilly tomatoes
- Date tomatoes (datterini)
These tomatoes offer the right mix of sweetness and acidity. This makes your pomodoro sauce full of flavor.
| Tomato Variety | Flavor Profile | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Tomatoes (Pachino) | Sweet, juicy, and low in acidity | Ideal for adding a burst of freshness to the sauce |
| Piccadilly Tomatoes | Balanced sweetness and acidity, firm texture | Perfect for creating a smooth and flavorful sauce |
| Date Tomatoes (Datterini) | Intensely sweet with a touch of tartness | Excellent for capturing the authentic Italian pomodoro taste |
By choosing tomatoes that are ripe and have the right taste, you’ll make a penne pomodoro that’s truly Italian.
The Essential Ingredients
To make a delicious penne pomodoro, you need a few key ingredients. These include penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Together, they create a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
The penne pasta’s shape is perfect for holding onto the tomato sauce. The extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity flavor when sautéing the garlic. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal taste. And Parmesan cheese brings a savory element that ties everything together.
Just a little salt and pepper are needed to season the sauce. With these ingredients, you can make a simple yet satisfying Italian pasta dish. It celebrates the natural flavors of quality penne pomodoro ingredients and classic Italian pasta ingredients.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 1 lb | The short, ridged shape helps the sauce cling to the noodles |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp | Used to sauté the garlic and infuse the sauce with rich flavor |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | Imparts a signature pungent aroma to the dish |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup | Provides a bright, herbal note to balance the richness |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup | Adds a savory, umami element to the dish |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Seasons the sauce and brings out the natural flavors |
With these penne pomodoro ingredients, classic Italian pasta ingredients, and tomato sauce ingredients, you can make a delicious penne pomodoro at home.
Penne Pomodoro: A Timeless Italian Favorite
Penne pomodoro is a classic in Italian cuisine, loved for its simplicity and flavors. This italian pasta dish has become a favorite in homes and restaurants. Its lasting appeal comes from using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Penne pomodoro is perfect for any meal, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a special occasion. The mix of al dente pasta, sweet tomatoes, garlic, and basil is unbeatable. This classic italian cuisine dish shows that simplicity can be incredibly powerful.
The dish is loved for its flexibility, fitting any event. It’s great for a family dinner or a fancy party. Its ease of making makes it perfect for busy nights, yet it’s elegant enough for formal events.
Penne pomodoro takes you straight to Italy with every bite. It’s a hit with both pasta lovers and newcomers. This italian pasta dish will surely delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Mastering the Pomodoro Sauce
Techniques for a Flavorful Tomato Sauce
The secret to a great penne pomodoro sauce is in the pomodoro sauce itself. To make a tasty, balanced tomato sauce, follow these key steps:
- Start with Quality Tomatoes: Look for the freshest, ripest tomatoes. They can be canned or fresh. The quality of the tomatoes is key to a great sauce.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by sautéing garlic in extra virgin olive oil. This makes the oil taste rich and savory, creating a fragrant base.
- Crush and Cook the Tomatoes: Crush the tomatoes by hand or with a potato masher. Then, simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and the sauce thicken.
- Season with Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil leaves towards the end of cooking. This adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that goes well with the tomatoes.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. You want a balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory flavors.
By using these techniques, you’ll make a pomodoro sauce that rivals Italian kitchens. The sauce will be silky and full of flavor, perfect with penne pasta for a taste of Italy.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti noodles | 0.88 lb | 400 grams |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp | 30 grams |
| Tomatoes | 1.1 lbs | 500 grams |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
“The secret to a truly great pomodoro sauce lies in the quality of the tomatoes and the simplicity of the preparation.”
Penne Pomodoro Recipe
Craving an authentic taste of Italy? Look no further than the classic Penne Tomato recipe. This beloved pasta dish combines ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a hint of basil. It creates a flavor-packed sauce that coats each bite of al dente penne.
To make this Penne Tomato recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 750 g (27 oz) of ripe tomatoes, diced or crushed
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb (500 g) of penne pasta
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Carefully add the diced or crushed tomatoes to the skillet, along with the salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked penne pasta with the pomodoro sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. If desired, stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Serve the Penne Tomato hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this classic Italian dish that’s sure to transport you to the heart of Rome with every bite.
“The secret to a perfect penne pomodoro lies in the quality of the tomatoes and the simplicity of the preparation. This dish is a true celebration of Italian culinary artistry.”
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Penne Tomato is a versatile Italian dish that pairs well with many things. For a classic Italian meal, serve it with a simple green salad and crusty Italian bread. This way, you can soak up the delicious sauce.
The penne pasta is also great with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, meatballs, or Italian sausage on top. The key is to let the pasta and homemade pomodoro sauce be the main attraction.
| Penne Pomodoro Pairing Suggestions | Why it Works |
|---|---|
| Green Salad and Crusty Bread | The light, fresh salad and crunchy bread complement the rich, tomato-based sauce. |
| Grilled or Roasted Vegetables | The roasted vegetables add texture and flavor, while the penne pomodoro serves as a delicious base. |
| Grilled Chicken, Meatballs, or Sausage | The protein-rich toppings transform the penne pomodoro into a heartier, more substantial meal. |
No matter how you serve it, Penne Tomato is sure to please. Its vibrant flavors and versatility make it a staple in Italian cuisine.
“The key to a great penne pomodoro is to let the flavors of the pasta and sauce shine as the star of the dish.”
Variations and Customizations
The classic penne pomodoro is loved by many. But, you can make it your own. Try leaving the tomato skins on for a chunkier texture. Add sautéed mushrooms, olives, or capers for more taste. Or, mix in ground Italian sausage or meatballs for a bigger meal.
Try using different pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle. This can give you a fresh twist on Penne Tomato. The beauty of Penne Tomato is its simplicity. It lets you customize it to your liking while keeping its core flavors.
Putting Your Own Spin on Penne Pomodoro
To put your own spin on Penne Tomato, here are some ideas:
- Leave the tomato skins on for a rustic, heartier texture
- Add sautéed mushrooms, olives, or capers to the sauce for extra flavor
- Incorporate ground Italian sausage or meatballs for a more substantial dish
- Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as rigatoni or farfalle
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe Vine-Ripened Tomatoes | Approximately 2.5 pounds (4 large tomatoes) |
| Simmering Time for Pomodoro Sauce | 25-30 minutes |
| Spaghetti | 12 ounces |
| Calorie Count per Serving | 257 kcal |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Butter Added to Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Shallot and Garlic Cloves | 1 shallot, 4 garlic cloves |
| Sugar to Balance Acidity | A pinch |
| Fresh Basil | Torn into the sauce near the end |
| Parmesan Cheese Topping | Freshly grated |
“The beauty of penne pomodoro lies in its simplicity, allowing home cooks to customize it to their liking while keeping the core flavors that make it a beloved Italian classic.”
Conclusion
Penne Tomato dish is a true classic Italian pasta dish. It has won hearts around the world with its bright, tomato-based taste and firm penne noodles. This dish comes from 19th century Naples, showing the deep roots of Italian cooking.
Using top-notch, fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, you can make this dish at home. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a big celebration. By learning to make the perfect pomodoro sauce and choosing the right pasta, you can enjoy a taste of Italy at home.
Keep exploring the world of cooking, and remember, the fun is in the journey, not just the end result. Penne dish is just the start. There are so many more Italian pasta dishes to try, each one a new adventure.
FAQ
What is penne pomodoro?
When did penne pomodoro originate?
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What are the essential ingredients for penne pomodoro?
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Source Links
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