Penne D Recipe

Boil pasta

Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon coarse salt. Add 12 oz penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10–12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sweat aromatics

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.

Develop tomato base

Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to caramelize slightly. Pour in the entire 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, scraping the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, 12–15 minutes to concentrate flavors, stirring occasionally.

Adjust consistency

If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in up to 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water (start with 1/2 cup, add more as needed) to reach a saucy but clingy consistency.

Enrich sauce

Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes to warm through and marry the flavors. Gradually stir in 3 oz freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through. If the sauce needs loosening, add small splashes of reserved pasta water until the desired texture is reached.

Add basil and serve

Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves and drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with an additional 1/2 cup Parmesan, and serve immediately.