Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy pasta tossed with a rich tomato-basil sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs for an elegant weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic 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 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add drained penne and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the saucepan. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and adjust consistency with remaining pasta water if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Basil 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce 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 Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil 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.

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