Penne with Balanced Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce
A vibrant pasta dish where roasted red peppers and tomato sauce harmonize in equal measure, enhanced with garlic and fresh basil for a light yet satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes blends penne pasta, roasted red peppers, tomato sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup roasted red peppers
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz penne and cook for 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the drained penne to the skillet along with 1 cup roasted red peppers, 1 cup tomato sauce, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce clings evenly to the pasta and thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, then serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Penne with Balanced Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Penne with Balanced Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Penne with Balanced Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce?
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 Penne with Balanced Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Penne with Balanced Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce?
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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
