Tomato Basil Penne Pasta
+6 photos

Tomato Basil Penne Pasta

This penne pasta is made with sweet grape tomatoes slow-simmered with garlic, then mixed with 3 cheeses to create a Mediterranean-style pasta dish.

Ingredients

  • package penne pasta
    1
  • basil oil
    1 tbsp
  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • garlic

    minced

    3 cloves
  • grape tomatoes

    halved

    1 pint
  • shredded pepper jack cheese
    1 c
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
    1 c
  • grated parmesan cheese
    ¼ c
  • minced fresh basil
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook pasta in boiling water until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Heat both oils in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until soft, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Add tomatoes, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Stir in pepper Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    When cheese begins to melt, mix in cooked penne pasta.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Season with fresh basil.

    Step 7
Tomato Basil Penne Pasta
+6

Tomato Basil Penne Pasta

4.4(259)502 cal

Similar Recipes

Mediterranean Pasta

Mediterranean Pasta

Mediterranean Pasta with tomatoes, artichoke, garlic, and lemon. A fast, healthy pasta recipe that’s easy to make and filled with bright flavor! Keep the recipe vegetarian or serve with chicken or shrimp. A nutritious all-in-one meal.

20 minutes375 kcal
Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne

Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne

Decadent and sumptuous, yet so quick and easy, this Creamy, Cheesy Italian Sausage and Basil Penne is comfort food at its best. Perfect weeknight dinner.

Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

Chicken Tortellini smothered with basil pesto and served with lots of veggies. Mediterranean style dinner packed with colorful vegetables: red and yellow grape tomatoes, asparagus, and sun-dried tomatoes.  

40 minutes
Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta

Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta

Made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and deliciously dairy free, this vegan tomato cream sauce sauce is simple enough for a weeknight, but decadent enough for a weekend date night in! 

35 minutes403 kcal
Burst Tomato Pasta

Burst Tomato Pasta

With a couple pints of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil & Parmesan, you can make this easy burst cherry tomato pasta for a quick weeknight dinner.

20 minutes406 kcal
Bruschetta Pasta

Bruschetta Pasta

Think bruschetta, but in pasta form—easy, fresh, and loaded with flavor. Shop the recipe here.

20 minutes283 kcal
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This creamy tomato basil pasta recipe is a delicious meatless meal that's fast, simple to make, and is perfect for in-season summer tomatoes and fresh basil!

30 minutes4 servings551 kcal
Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Tomato Shrimp Pasta

This Tomato Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and oh so satisfying weeknight dinner. If you've never made your own red sauce before, this simple recipe will knock your socks off!

30 minutes6 servings

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Excellent

Based on 259 ratings

allrecipes.com
4.4(259 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Searching for a deeply satisfying, cheesy pasta dinner bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors? Our Tomato Basil Penne Pasta is a comforting dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table, perfect for any weeknight.

This recipe shines by slow-simmering sweet grape tomatoes with aromatic garlic, coaxing out their natural sweetness and creating a luscious, rich base. The genius comes from blending three distinct cheeses—sharp pepper jack, creamy mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan—into this delightful tomato sauce, ensuring every bite is a harmonious symphony of savory goodness. The basil oil and fresh basil elevate the entire experience.

Prepare for a hearty dinner featuring al dente penne pasta coated in a wonderfully creamy, yet bright, tomato sauce. You'll savor the sweet burst of slow-simmered grape tomatoes, the subtle heat from the pepper jack, and the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil. This substantial dish, with its rich flavors and comforting textures, promises a truly gratifying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent, clocking in at 502 calories per serving.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adapt this versatile dish to your pantry and preferences.

  • Cheese Swap: While the three-cheese blend is delightful, you can adjust to your liking. Use all mozzarella for a milder flavor, or add more Parmesan for an extra salty kick.
  • Tomato Options: If grape tomatoes aren't available, cherry tomatoes will work beautifully.
  • Basil Oil Alternative: If you don't have basil oil on hand, simply use an extra tablespoon of good quality olive oil and increase the amount of fresh minced basil.

Serve this Tomato Basil Penne Pasta as a comforting dinner centerpiece. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that exquisite sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions