Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Made with pantry staples: No need for fancy ingredients—everything is easily found.
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Kid-friendly and comforting: A guaranteed hit for the whole family.
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Customizable: Add veggies or protein to make it your own.
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Budget-friendly: Affordable and filling with minimal ingredients.
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Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
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Vegetarian-friendly: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences.
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Authentic Italian flavor: Simple ingredients, big taste.
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Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead and store for easy lunches.
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Satisfying: The combination of pasta and rich tomato sauce hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Olive oil
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Onion, finely chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Canned diced tomatoes
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Tomato paste (or tomato puree)
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Pinch of sugar
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Penne pasta
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Grated Parmesan or vegetarian alternative
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Fresh basil leaves, finely sliced (optional)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
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Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
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Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring until fragrant.
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Add canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a pinch of sugar.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
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Add the cooked penne to the tomato sauce and toss to coat evenly.
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If needed, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
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Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes with the garlic.
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Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
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Vegetable version: Add bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
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Vegan: Use vegan cheese or skip the Parmesan altogether.
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Cheesy twist: Add a dollop of ricotta or a handful of mozzarella before serving.
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Whole wheat pasta: Use whole wheat penne for added fiber.
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Gluten-free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
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Roasted tomato: Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
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Wine depth: Deglaze with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic.
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Herbaceous flavor: Add oregano or thyme to the sauce for depth.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
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Make ahead: Sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
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Avoid overcooking: When reheating pasta, do it gently to maintain texture.
FAQs
What is Penne Napoli?
Penne Napoli is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with penne pasta and a simple tomato-based sauce using ingredients like canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, especially in peak tomato season. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce for best results.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, which thickens and intensifies the flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
What type of canned tomatoes should I use?
Diced tomatoes work best for texture, but you can also use crushed or whole tomatoes (break them up with a spoon while cooking).
Is Penne Napoli spicy?
Traditionally, it's not spicy. But you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
What’s a good side dish with Penne Napoli?
Garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables pair well with this pasta dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, spaghetti, rigatoni, or fusilli are good alternatives if penne isn’t available.
Should I add salt to the pasta water?
Yes, generously salting the boiling water adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta during the first few minutes of cooking and avoid adding oil to the water. Mixing it with the sauce immediately after draining also helps.
Conclusion
Penne Napoli is the perfect go-to pasta recipe when you need something comforting, flavorful, and quick. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a dish that brings the heart of Italy right into your kitchen. Whether you stick to the traditional version or make it your own with added veggies or protein, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
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