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A timeless Italian-American classic, this simple penne with marinara sauce is pure comfort food. Al dente pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful tomato and garlic sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Sauté Aromatics
Simmer the Marinara Sauce
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A timeless Italian-American classic, this simple penne with marinara sauce is pure comfort food. Al dente pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful tomato and garlic sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
This italian_american recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 365.38 calories per serving with 12.94g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine and Finish
Serve
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon (or to your taste) for a fiery 'angry' sauce.
Brown 1 lb of Italian sausage or ground beef with the onions, or add cooked meatballs or grilled chicken to the finished sauce.
Sauté 1 cup of chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the onion for added nutrients and texture.
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the very end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and improved heart health.
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
The complex carbohydrates in pasta are broken down slowly, providing a steady release of energy that helps you feel full and fueled for longer.
A typical serving of this recipe contains approximately 450-550 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the type of pasta and the amount of cheese.
Yes, it can be part of a balanced diet. The sauce is rich in lycopene from tomatoes and healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil. For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and be mindful of portion sizes and cheese garnish.
Absolutely! The marinara sauce can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavor often improves after a day as the ingredients meld together.
Canned San Marzano tomatoes are widely considered the gold standard for marinara sauce. They have a naturally sweet flavor, low acidity, and a firm texture that breaks down beautifully into a sauce.
You can, but it requires more prep. You'll need about 2.5 lbs of ripe Roma tomatoes, which you should score, blanch, peel, and crush. You may also need to simmer the sauce longer and add a tablespoon of tomato paste to achieve a similar richness.
The small amount of sugar in the recipe is specifically to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Using high-quality San Marzano tomatoes also helps. For very acidic tomatoes, you can add a whole, peeled carrot to the sauce as it simmers and remove it before serving; the carrot will absorb some of the acidity.