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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
Sauce Preparation
- 3
Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Ensure it is hot but not smoking.
- 4
- 5
Add Cherry Tomatoes
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- 6
Incorporate Basil and Seasonings
Add the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 7
Combine
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- 8
Serve
Serve the Santa Margherita pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.