How to Make Penne Pasta
As a lifelong pasta enthusiast with nearly 50 pasta recipes under my belt, I still find myself returning to classic penne. This version has a Mediterranean twist that sets it apart from the rest—fresh basil, crushed tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives give it a bright, flavorful kick. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, which is why my husband loves it as much as I do. Adding just a touch of cream cheese gives the sauce a velvety richness that practically melts in your mouth. This penne pasta has been on repeat at our house and likely will be at yours too!
What is Penne Pasta?
Penne pasta is one of my go-to pastas! It is an Italian short tube-shaped pasta. There are actually two varieties: Penne rigate has ridges along the outside, helping sauces cling better while penne lisce is smooth and more delicate.
Penne Pasta Ingredients
*See below for more information.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
How to Make Penne Pasta
1. Boil your Pasta
Boil your pasta with salt to package instructions until al dente (or however you enjoy your pasta). Save some pasta water for the sauce.
2. Sauté onion & garlic
In a large pan, add oil and your diced onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it is softened.
3. Add spices
Add your oregano and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for another minute.
4. Simmer tomatoes
Add your can of crushed tomatoes and pasta water. Turn the heat up slightly to get it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes so the flavors of the sauce meld.
Turn the heat off and remove half of the sauce and add to a blender. Blend until smooth and pour back into the pan. (Caution – it will be hot!)
FYI – I’d skip the immersion blender—this sauce has a tendency to splatter!
5. Stir in the final ingredients
Add the cream cream, basil, kalamata olives, salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix until well combined
The cream cheese should dissolve fairly quickly!
7. Add pasta
Stir in your pasta until each piece is coated with the sauce.
Enjoy warm right away – top with more fresh basil and/or parm if desired!
How long to cook penne pasta?
Penne pasta generally cooks in 8-12 minutes, depending on the firmness you prefer. I recommend checking around 8 minutes for doneness.
Extra Tip!
*****
Penne Pasta Recipe Variations
What to Serve with Pasta Penne
Our Favorite
Pasta Recipes
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Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes I used fire roasted
- 1/3 cup pasta water add more
- 1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives or another olive of your choice, optional
- 1/4 cup cream cheese choose a df version if vegan (I like Violife)
- 1/4 tsp salt add more to taste
- freshly ground black pepper add to taste
- 3-4 large fresh basil leaves roughly chopped, plus more for topping if desired
Optional topping
- parmesan cheese shreds choose a df version if vegan (I like Follow Your Heart)
Instructions
- Start boiling water with 1 tbsp of salt. Once the water is boiling, add your penne pasta and cool to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).*Save some pasta water!8 oz penne pasta
- Meanwhile, begin to make your sauce. In large saucepan or skillet, add olive oil and your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.Add your oregano and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for another minute.1 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano
- Add your can of crushed tomatoes and pasta water. Turn the heat up slightly to get it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes so the flavors of the sauce meld. Turn the heat off and remove half of the sauce and add to a blender. Blend until smooth and pour back into the pan. (Caution – it will be hot!)FYI – I’d skip the immersion blender—this sauce has a tendency to splatter!15 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/3 cup pasta water
- Add your cream cheese, kalamata olives, salt, pepper and fresh basil. Stir until the cream cheese dissolves. *No need to let your cream cheese come to room temp prior to this step – it will dissolve quickly in the sauce.1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives, 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, 3-4 large fresh basil leaves, freshly ground black pepper
- Stir in your cooked pasta. Serve your dish warm. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh basil if you'd like. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose high quality crushed tomatoes. This is where you want to spend an extra buck or two! It does make a difference in flavor. I enjoy fire roasted tomatoes (which are more savory, and have a slight kick!) but you can use regular fire roasted tomatoes too.
- Reserve pasta water. This water is magic for thinning sauces, helping them cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Cream cheese is the secret ingredient! I know it may sound strange, but it adds delicious creaminess and velvet texture to the sauce.
- I love to add other veggies to this penne pasta such as roasted zucchini, broccoli, spinach, and more!
- Storage: You can store leftover penne pasta in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually reheat mine in the microwave for convenience. If you sauce has thickened up a bit, add in a splash of water!
