Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add the sliced olives, chopped basil, and chopped parsley to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Serve the penne al pomodoro with olives hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you like instead of penne.
- If you don't have kalamata olives, you can use any other type of pitted olive.
- You can use dried basil and parsley instead of fresh.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of different types of olives for a more complex flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the pasta.
- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when you add it to the sauce.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it seems too thick.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in a microwave-safe dish or on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.
Garnishes:
- Top the pasta with additional chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve the pasta with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caprese salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the appropriate temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Penne al pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in Naples.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, slightly spicy, and tangy from the tomatoes and olives.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Region: Italian