Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/13 checked
6
servings
1 tsp

olive oil

0.5 cup

onion

chopped

2 unit

garlic cloves

minced

0.25 cup

sun-dried tomato

chopped and drained

1 tsp

sugar

0.25 tsp

salt

0.25 tsp

pepper

4 unit

plum tomatoes

chopped

14.5 unit

diced tomatoes

undrained

12 unit

penne pasta

cooked

0.75 cup

mozzarella cheese

shredded

1 cup

fresh parsley

chopped

1 cup

fresh basil

chopped

Step 1
~4 min

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2
~4 min

Add chopped onion and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.

Step 3
~4 min

Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute or two, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4
~4 min

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, chopped plum tomatoes, and diced tomatoes.

Step 5
~4 min

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce reduces.

Step 6
~4 min

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the penne pasta according to package directions.

Step 7
~4 min

Drain the cooked pasta.

Step 8
~4 min

Return the drained pasta to the pot.

Step 9
~4 min

Add the tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese (or goat cheese), parsley, and basil (if using) to the pot.

Step 10
~4 min

Mix lightly to combine.

Step 11
~4 min

Serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

Roast the plum tomatoes before chopping for a deeper flavor.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Sauce can be made ahead of time.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Bruschetta

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

Common family meal

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Sunday dinner
Casual gatherings

Occasion Tags

Weeknight dinner
Casual gathering

Popularity Score

70/100

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