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Ingredients
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Pasta Ingredients
Optional Sauce Ingredients
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Water
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2
Add Salt
Once the water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- 3
Cook the Penne
Add 2 cups of penne pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 4
Check for Doneness
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Taste a piece to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
- 5
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving a cup of the pasta water if you plan to make a sauce.
Optional Sauce Preparation
- 6
- 7
Sauté Garlic
Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 8
Add Tomatoes
Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- 9
Combine with Pasta
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss to combine.
- 10
Add Basil and Cheese
Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped basil leaves and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- 11
Season to Taste
Finish with black pepper to taste and additional salt if necessary.