Tomato-Basil Penne with Garlic and Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Italian penne pasta tossed in a fresh tomato and basil sauce, flavored with garlic and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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 and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5-6 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss gently to combine and loosen the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Basil Penne with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Tomato-Basil Penne with Garlic and Parmesan?

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 Tomato-Basil Penne with Garlic and Parmesan?

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 Tomato-Basil Penne with Garlic and Parmesan 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.

Is Tomato-Basil Penne with Garlic and Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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