Master authentic Penne alla Napoletana in just 30 minutes! Our easy recipe features ripe tomatoes, fresh thyme, and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 400g penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (for cooking) + extra sprigs for garnish
- 400g crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the penne in salted water until al dente (~10-12 mins). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds (fragrant but not browned).
- Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme, then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 mins until thickened.
- Combine:
- Toss the drained penne into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
- Stir in ½ cup Parmesan until creamy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra fresh thyme sprigs and remaining Parmesan.
Why thyme at the end?
- The cooked thyme infuses the sauce, while the fresh garnish adds a bright, earthy aroma.
Enjoy your fragrant, herby pasta! 🌿🍝 Let me know if you’d like other tweaks.