Description
Easy Penne Napoli (cheap meal) is a budget-friendly, fuss-free dish. This rich Italian tomato sauce perfectly coats every strand of pasta and is perfect for serving a family, hosting a dinner party, feeding a crowd, or a simple meal for two, keeping any leftovers for future meals. Using healthy ingredients, it's quick and straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped or pressed)
1 teaspoon oregano (fresh or dried)
800g (28 oz) tinned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
fresh basil to garnish (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
500g (1 lb) penne pasta
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Once the onion is softened, add the garlic to the skillet. Allow them to infuse their flavor into the oil for a minute or two, being careful not to let them burn. Stir in the oregano.
- Next, pour in the tomatoes, whether you're using fresh or tinned. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally and allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend it with an immersion blender.
- Cook the Penne: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes around 10-12 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, drain and set it aside.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Add the cooked penne pasta directly to the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve the Penne Napoli hot, garnished with additional basil leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.
Buon appetite!
Notes
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic Properly: Take your time sautéing the onions and garlic to develop their flavors fully. Cook them over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to brown or burn them.
- Use Quality Ingredients: While Penne Napoli is a simple dish, using high-quality ingredients can elevate the flavor significantly. Opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes, whether fresh or canned, as they will be the foundation of your sauce. Fresh basil is best. Additionally, using good-quality olive oil will add richness and depth to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Italian