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To make Penne Napoli Red Sauce, you need these key ingredients: - 250g penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, grated - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped - 400g canned crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, for serving (optional) You can add a few extras to make your dish shine: - Red pepper flakes for heat - A drizzle of balsamic vinegar for tang - Fresh parsley for a pop of color If you don’t have an ingredient, here are some great swaps: - Use whole wheat penne for a healthier option. - Swap olive oil with avocado oil if needed. - Replace yellow onion with shallots for a milder flavor. - Use dried basil instead of fresh if you’re out. - For a vegan twist, skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast. These substitutions still keep the dish tasty and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cook the penne. First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add 250g of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save a cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside. Now, let’s sauté the vegetables. Take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add a finely chopped medium yellow onion. Stir it for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 grated carrot, and 1 finely chopped celery stalk. Cook these veggies together for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft and translucent. This step builds great flavor for your sauce. For the red sauce, it’s time to add the tomatoes. Stir in 400g of canned crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste into the skillet. Mix everything well to combine. Now, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken nicely. If it gets too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Finally, add the drained penne to the sauce. Toss it gently to coat the pasta well. Now, you’re ready to serve your Penne Napoli! To get the best pasta, always use a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. This helps the pasta taste great. Cook the penne until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Remember to reserve some pasta water. You may need it later to adjust the sauce’s thickness. To boost the sauce's flavor, start with good olive oil. Use fresh garlic and onion. Sauté these until they are soft. Add the grated carrot and celery for sweetness. The canned crushed tomatoes bring the sauce together. Don't forget the dried oregano and a pinch of sugar. This balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to deepen the flavors. When serving, use a big bowl or plate. Top the penne with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. If you like cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or vegan cheese on top. For a fun twist, serve with garlic bread on the side. Enjoy your meal with family or friends! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook your pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water to ensure even cooking and to prevent it from becoming too sticky. Rich Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil instead of dried for a more aromatic and vibrant flavor in your dish. Cheese Secrets: If you're using Parmesan, try grating it fresh right before serving for the best flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make Penne Napoli vegetarian or vegan easily. Just skip the cheese. Use a plant-based cheese for a vegan twist. The sauce already has lots of flavor from the veggies and tomatoes. You will not miss the meat at all. For added richness, try adding a splash of coconut cream. It gives a nice touch without changing the taste. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free penne. Many brands make it from rice, corn, or quinoa. These options taste great and work well in the sauce. Cook them just like regular penne. Always check the package for cooking times. Want to add protein? Chicken and sausage are great choices. Cook them in the skillet before adding the veggies. This way, they soak up all the flavors. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Press it to remove extra moisture, then cube it. Sauté it with the veggies for a tasty addition. Each option adds a new layer of flavor to your dish. To keep your Penne Napoli fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat, take out the Penne Napoli. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it warm up. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in a bowl for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. To freeze Penne Napoli, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will be good for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Making Penne Napoli Red Sauce takes about 35 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking. You can enjoy a warm meal in no time! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You will need about 800g of fresh tomatoes. Peel and chop them. Cook them down until they break apart, which can take a bit longer. The flavor will be bright and fresh. I recommend grated Parmesan for a great taste. If you prefer a vegan option, use a vegan cheese that melts well. Both options add a lovely creaminess to your dish. In this post, we covered how to make a tasty Penne Napoli Red Sauce. We explored the ingredients needed, including substitutes and serving options. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the pasta and making the sauce. Tips for perfecting texture and flavor made the recipe even better. We also discussed variations, storage, and common questions. Remember, cooking is about fun and trying new things. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Penne Napoli Red Sauce

A delicious and easy penne pasta dish with a rich red sauce made from crushed tomatoes and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.
  • Add oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gently simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add the drained penne to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Spoon the penne onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or protein for a heartier dish.
Keyword pasta, red sauce, vegetarian