Description
This Macaroni Penne Recipe offers the perfect combination of creamy, rich tomato sauce and two beloved pasta shapes—penne and macaroni. The dish is simple to prepare yet satisfying, making it an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty family meal. The addition of heavy cream to the tomato sauce gives it a luxurious texture, while the pasta itself absorbs the flavors beautifully, resulting in a comforting, flavor-packed dish. Whether you choose to add cheese, vegetables, or even a meaty Bolognese sauce, this recipe can be easily customized to suit any taste preference.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g Penne pasta
- 250g Macaroni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add both the penne and macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, saving about 1 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Stir in the Cream:
- Once the tomato sauce has thickened slightly, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Use some of the reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Make it Cheesy: For a creamier version, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese when you add the cream. You can also top the pasta with Parmesan and broil it for a few minutes to get a golden, bubbly crust.
- Add Protein: To make this dish heartier, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce. Brown the meat along with the garlic and onions before adding the tomatoes.
- Vegan Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version. You can also toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Macaroni Penne Recipe