Name: Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups penne pasta (400g/14oz); 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1.5 cups pureed tomatoes (passata) (350g); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon fresh basil (plus extra for garnish); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

If you’re craving a simple, delicious pasta that comes together in a flash, you’ve got to try this Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant, yet is so easy to make that you’ll be reaching for it on busy weeknights. I absolutely love this recipe because it highlights the freshness of ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs without any fuss, and the sauce clings beautifully to every penne piece. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this has become a staple in my kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy & Simple: Perfect for when time’s tight but you want a satisfying meal.
Fresh Herb Flavor: Basil and parsley add that bright, summery punch you’ll crave.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for it, and I bet yours will too.
No Fancy Ingredients Needed: Just pantry basics and fresh herbs—easy to find and easy to love.

A bowl of penne pasta with three visible layers: a base of bright orange-red tomato sauce coating the penne pieces, scattered fresh green basil leaves on top adding a fresh look, and a light dusting of shredded white cheese sprinkled evenly over the dish. The pasta is served in a round light gray bowl placed on a soft mauve cloth, sitting on a rustic wooden table with a slightly blurred plate with fries in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta, simple tomato pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, fast penne pasta dinner, quick weeknight pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe uses a handful of ingredients that balance perfectly—juicy tomato passata creates a silky sauce, while fresh herbs give it that authentic Italian touch. Here’s what I like to keep on hand whenever I whip this up.

Flat lay of a mound of uncooked yellow penne pasta, two whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red pureed tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red thick tomato paste, a few sprigs of fresh bright green parsley, a few sprigs of fresh vibrant green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano leaves, and a small heap of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta, simple tomato pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, fast penne pasta dinner, quick weeknight pasta

Penne Pasta: I prefer penne because its ridges hold the sauce so nicely—plus it cooks quickly and keeps its bite.
Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a fruity base flavor that lifts the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic chopped finely for that wonderful aroma and subtle kick.
Pureed Tomatoes (Passata): Smooth and fresh, it makes the sauce luscious without chunks.
Tomato Paste: Adds deep, concentrated tomato flavor—don’t skip it!
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.
Fresh Basil: The star herb here—sweet and aromatic, adding gorgeous color too.
Dried Oregano: A pinch for that classic Italian flavor layered right in.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Freshly grated on top makes all the difference in richness and savoriness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about the Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re feeding kids, looking for a veggie boost, or want to kick up the flavor, I’ll share some of my favorite tweaks.

Add Protein: When my family’s extra hungry, I toss in some grilled chicken or pan-fried sausage for a heartier meal.
Spice It Up: I sometimes sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic oil for a gentle heat that wakes up the sauce.
Veggie Boost: For extra color and nutrition, adding sautéed zucchini or spinach works beautifully without overpowering the fresh tomato taste.
Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative—still just as satisfying.

How to Make Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil—this helps your pasta cook evenly. Don’t forget to add a good pinch of salt; it really seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook the penne until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on your brand. I like to set a timer and taste a piece when it’s close. You want it tender with just a slight bite, not mushy!

Step 2: Sauté Your Garlic and Herbs

While the pasta’s doing its thing, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic along with the dried oregano, fresh parsley, and a tablespoon of fresh basil. Stir often and watch carefully—the goal is to release all those gorgeous aromas without letting the garlic brown, which can make it bitter. It usually takes about 1-2 minutes for the garlic to get fragrant.

Step 3: Make That Luscious Tomato Sauce

Next, stir in the pureed tomatoes (passata) and the tomato paste. The paste adds a richness and depth that makes all the difference. Let this simmer gently for about 8 minutes—the same time as your pasta finishes. This slow simmer brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce Like a Pro

Before draining your pasta, reserve about a cup of that starchy cooking water—it’s a magic ingredient that helps your sauce cling to the pasta without being watery. Drain the rest and add the penne straight into the skillet with your tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash or two of reserved pasta water as needed. This emulsifies the sauce, giving it a silky, glossy finish that coats every bite. Finally, stir in some fresh chopped basil for that vibrant, fresh punch and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips for Making Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe

Don’t Skip Salting the Pasta Water: I learned this the hard way—properly salted water seasons the pasta from within, making every bite flavorful.
Simmer Sauce Gently: Keep your heat low so the tomatoes don’t lose their bright, fresh flavor or get bitter.
Use Pasta Water to Perfect Sauce Texture: That reserved water contains starch, helping the sauce thicken and coat the noodles beautifully.
Add Fresh Basil Last: If you add it too early, it loses its vibrant flavor and color—save it for the final toss!

How to Serve Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with red penne pasta coated in tomato sauce. The pasta is layered with small green basil leaves scattered on top. A woman's hand holds a silver fork lifting a bite of pasta with a piece of sun-dried tomato and some grated cheese visible on top. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft pink cloth near the bowl, creating a cozy setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta, simple tomato pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, fast penne pasta dinner, quick weeknight pasta

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan over the top—it adds a salty, creamy finish that makes the dish feel complete. Extra fresh basil leaves are also a must for me; they not only taste amazing but add a beautiful pop of green. A few cracked black pepper flakes bring a little warmth and a nice contrast.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a heartier meal, I sometimes add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus on the side—simple and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers and extra basil leaves for that wow factor. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass bowl to show off the colors if you’re doing a buffet style. Serve with a bottle of chilled white wine and you’re golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick Penne Pomodoro pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I store it, I like to separate any reserved pasta water so I can loosen it up nicely when reheating. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so a splash of water helps keep it saucy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with good results. Just toss the pasta and sauce together before freezing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating. Texture might soften slightly, but it’s still delicious for a quick meal when you’re pressed for time.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a little extra olive oil or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce glossy and fresh. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or drying out. This brings it back to life almost like it was freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of passata for this Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe?

You absolutely can! If you have ripe fresh tomatoes, peel and blend them into a smooth sauce. Just remember fresh tomatoes have more water content, so you might want to simmer the sauce a little longer to thicken it and concentrate the flavors.
What’s the difference between tomato paste and passata in this recipe?

Passata is pure strained tomatoes, smooth and fresh, forming the base of the sauce. Tomato paste is a concentrated, cooked tomato product that adds intense flavor and richness. Using both balances freshness with depth.
How do I know when my pasta is al dente?

Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian—that perfect texture where pasta is tender but still has a slight firmness when bitten. Test this by tasting a piece a minute or two before the package’s suggested time. It should be cooked through but offer a little resistance.
Can I make this Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook times may vary, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Penne Pomodoro Pasta Recipe has become my go-to for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner that never disappoints. It strikes the perfect balance between comforting and fresh, making it a weeknight favorite for me and my family. If you’re looking for a quick, reliable pasta recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’ll want to give this a try. I’m confident it’ll win a spot in your regular rotation too—happy cooking!