Creamy Tomato Penne
Creamy Tomato Penne
Ingredients
For the Penne
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 4 ripe tomatoes, whole
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
⏱️ 12 min
- 2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the whole tomatoes to the hot oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until their skins begin to soften and blister.
⏱️ 7 min
- 3
Add the diced red onion to the skillet with the tomatoes. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Season the tomatoes and onion generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Using a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spoon, mash the softened tomatoes directly in the pan until they break down into a chunky sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and basil. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the tomato mixture.
⏱️ 3 min
- 7
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well until it combines with the tomato and cheese, forming a smooth, creamy, and vibrant pink sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
⏱️ 2 min
- 8
Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy tomato sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min
- 9
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with additional fresh chopped parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Creamy Tomato Penne
Ingredients
For the Penne
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 4 ripe tomatoes, whole
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
⏱️ 12 min - 2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the whole tomatoes to the hot oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until their skins begin to soften and blister.
⏱️ 7 min - 3
Add the diced red onion to the skillet with the tomatoes. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Season the tomatoes and onion generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Using a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spoon, mash the softened tomatoes directly in the pan until they break down into a chunky sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and basil. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the tomato mixture.
⏱️ 3 min - 7
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well until it combines with the tomato and cheese, forming a smooth, creamy, and vibrant pink sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
⏱️ 2 min - 8
Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy tomato sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min - 9
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with additional fresh chopped parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
⏱️ 1 min