Authentic AU-Style Basketball Jersey Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring bold colors and precise layering like premium basketball jerseys, with a savory tomato-herb sauce and crispy shallot garnish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, (thinly sliced) shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 (thinly sliced) shallots
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp (chopped) fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (grated) parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced shallots and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Return crispy shallots to the skillet, add drained penne, and toss to coat. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce, then stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Serve immediately topped with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and extra parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic AU-Style Basketball Jersey Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic AU-Style Basketball Jersey Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic AU-Style Basketball Jersey Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic AU-Style Basketball Jersey Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic AU-Style Basketball Jersey Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
