Penne with tomato sauce

Penne with tomato sauce and cheese - A simple and delicious recipe for unforgettable moments

If you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe, look no further! Penne with tomato sauce and cheese is a perfect choice for a cozy dinner, full of flavor and taste. This recipe combines the al dente texture of pasta with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, creating a dish that reminds us of moments spent with loved ones.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 350 g penne (or any other pasta type you prefer)
- 5 slices of cheese (choose a cheese with a strong flavor, such as cheddar or gouda)
- 1 large onion (usually, yellow onion is the most suitable)
- 6 cloves of garlic (an excellent source of antioxidants)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice (about 400 g)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (for a flavorful taste)
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 2 allspice berries (for a subtle aromatic note)
- 2 bay leaves (for a deep and complex flavor)
- 1 glass of water

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients ready and at hand. This will help you save time and focus on the cooking process.

2. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the garlic: When the onion has softened, add the crushed garlic. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it, as it can become bitter.

4. Prepare the tomato sauce: Add the canned tomatoes, including the juice, to the skillet. Stir well and add salt, pepper, dried thyme, allspice, and bay leaves. All these spices will give your sauce a special flavor. Then add a glass of water to thin the sauce. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces to the desired consistency.

5. Boil the pasta: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the penne pasta according to the instructions on the package, about 6 minutes, until al dente. Then drain and reserve a cup of the cooking water.

6. Combine the pasta with the sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce and mix well, so that each piece of pasta is coated with sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water to thin it out.

7. Add the cheese: Cut the cheese slices into thin strips and place them on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes delicious.

8. Serve with love: Once the cheese has melted, remove the bay leaves and allspice from the sauce. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme for an attractive look and extra aroma.

Practical tips:
- Vary the type of pasta: You can use any type of pasta you prefer – farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
- Add vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrients, you can add vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers to the tomato sauce.
- Spice it up: If you like spicy food, add a little dried chili or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Fish or meat: You can add pieces of chicken, ground meat, or fish to the sauce to turn the recipe into a more substantial main dish.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of penne with tomato sauce and cheese contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the type of cheese used. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and garlic has beneficial properties for the immune system. This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it ideal for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Sure! Fresh tomatoes are delicious, but make sure to peel and dice them before adding them to the sauce.
- How can I make the recipe vegan? Replace the cheese with a vegan alternative or crumbled tofu cheese.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the cooked pasta.

This recipe for penne with tomato sauce and cheese is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for enjoying alongside a fresh green salad or a glass of white wine. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy an evening full of flavor and good cheer!

 Ingredients: 350 g penne, 5 slices of cheese, 1 large onion, 6 cloves of garlic, 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme + 1 sprig of fresh thyme, 2 allspice berries, 2 bay leaves

 Tags:  penne with tomato sauce