Penne Pasta with Grape Tomatoes & Basil

A flavorful and tasty yet simple penne pasta dish with grape tomatoes and basil, is an ideal light pasta meal. This Italian pasta dish has an appetizing blend of fresh ingredients, making this mildly sweet pasta recipe a savory dish to try out at home.

Penne Pasta with Grape Tomatoes and Basil

Penne is a type of Italian pasta that originated in Italy. This type of Italian pasta is a common and popular pasta shape used in a variety of pasta dishes. Tomatoes and basil are common ingredients used in numerous Italian dishes. Penne pasta with tomatoes and basil is an Italian dish known for its fresh flavors and simplicity. 

Penne pasta with grape tomatoes and basil is a pasta dish that includes penne pasta, grape tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and seasoning. This dish is a variation of penne pomodoro, an authentic Italian pasta dish. The key difference is the sauce. Penne pomodoro uses tomato-based sauce, while penne pasta with grape tomatoes and basil typically does not use a tomato-based sauce but rather sauté the grape tomatoes and other ingredients, creating a light and airy tomato sauce.

Basil Leaves

The basil leaf is a fragrant herb pertaining to the mint family. The leaves' flavor can often be described as a blend of fresh, sweet, peppery, and spicy flavors. They can be consumed fresh, raw, or cooked. Basil leaves are common cooking herbs that are widely used in various dishes. This herb adds flavor to foods and is often used in Italian recipes. The leaves can be used as a garnish over dishes or add additional flavor to fresh Italian dishes. Basil leaves are commonly used with Italian cooking that pairs nicely with cheese, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. 

Small, prepacked basil leaves are often available at many supermarkets in the produce section. Fresh basil plants are also often available at various garden centers. Basil plants are great indoor herbs that are ideal to include in dishes. I purchased a basil plant from my local garden center and then added a few of the fresh basil leaves to this tasty pasta dish.

Penne Pasta with Grape Tomatoes and Basil Ingredients

Penne Pasta: Cooked penne pasta has a mild and neutral flavor with a soft and slightly chewy texture. 

Tomato: (Grape Tomatoes) A mild and sweet flavor that gives this pasta dish a tasty and juicy texture. Alternative: cherry tomatoes.

Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves provide a minty and a blend of a sweet and slight spicy flavor.

Garlic: Sautéed garlic adds flavor to this pasta dish. 

Olive Oil: A common and popular Italian oil that has a mild and nutty flavor. Opt for high-quality olive oil for this dish.

Butter: (unsalted butter): Slightly sweet and mild, creamy flavor. Alternative: Margarine.

Italian Seasoning: A mild dried herb seasoning that consists of an herbal flavor. Alternatives: Dried basil or oregano seasoning. 

Salt: A slight salty flavor to the pasta enhances the flavor.

Ground Black Pepper: A mild and sharp flavor seasoning that provides a hint of flavor. 

Penne Pasta with Grape Tomatoes and Basil Instructions

Mince the garlic. 

Cut the grape tomatoes in half.

Tomato Sauce

1. On a low-medium heat setting, add butter and garlic to a skillet. 
2. Add the grape tomatoes and olive oil.
3. Add the seasoning. (Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper)
4. Sauté the grape tomatoes and ingredients until fully cooked and combined.

Penne Pasta

1. Bring water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta until tender. 
   
2. Drain the pasta.
3. Add the grape tomatoes.
4. Add the basil leaves. 

Storage

Cool penne pasta with grape tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Longer storage is optional for this dish. Both penne pasta and the tomato sauce can be frozen for storage, but the texture may change, which may result in a distasteful texture. To freeze this dish, separate the penne pasta from the tomato sauce in an airtight container or freezer bags. 

Thoughts

Penne pasta with grape tomatoes and basil is a light and filling Italian dish to enjoy at home. This is one pasta dish that I like compared to numerous other pasta dishes. This is a simple dish to cook and assemble that includes fresh-tasting ingredients. It is a tasty, light, and flavorful pasta dish that makes a great light pasta lunch or dinner meal. 

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 5 cups grape tomatoes
• ½ cup basil leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 tablespoons butter or ½ butter stick
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

Ingredients. Cut the garlic into small pieces. Cut the grape tomatoes in half.

Tomato sauce. In a skillet, melt the butter, and then add the garlic. Add the olive oil and grape tomatoes. Then add the Italian seasoning. Sauté on low-medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Penne pasta. Add water to a pot and salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta until tender. Drain the pasta once cooked. 

Combine the ingredients. Add the tomato sauce and basil to the penne pasta. Mix the pasta until combined.