Negroni-Inspired Bitter Tomato Pasta
An Italian pasta dish capturing the essence of a Negroni cocktail with bitter orange, Campari, and herbal notes infused into a savory tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, finely chopped shallot
- 1/4 cup Campari
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup Campari and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp orange zest, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Step 6: Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a bittersweet, vibrant tomato pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Negroni-Inspired Bitter Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Negroni-Inspired Bitter Tomato 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 Negroni-Inspired Bitter Tomato 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 Negroni-Inspired Bitter Tomato 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 Negroni-Inspired Bitter Tomato 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.
