Penne Al Pomodoro

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Base — Peel and crush the tomatoes by hand or use a can of whole peeled tomatoes. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic — Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook gently until golden and fragrant. Remove the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce — Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt and a pinch of sugar. Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Combine — Add the drained pasta directly into the tomato sauce. Toss well, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 6: Finishing — Tear fresh basil leaves and fold them into the pasta. Drizzle with cold-pressed olive oil. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan if desired.