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Ingredients
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Pasta
Tomato Sauce
To Serve
Method
Preparing the Pasta
- 1
Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the penne pasta in a colander and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
Making the Tomato Sauce
- 3
Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- 4
Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the canned whole tomatoes, including their juice. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
- 5
Season the Sauce
Add the salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- 6
Add Fresh Basil
Tear the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 7
Mix Together
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Serving the Dish
- 8
Plate the Pasta
Serve the penne pomodoro in bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with extra basil leaves.