Easy Tomato Sauce Penne

For me, there are few meals more comforting than the classic pasta with a thick, flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is a childhood favorite and is absolutely beautiful in its simplicity. It consists of just six ingredients: olive oil, butter, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and a handful of excellent Italian penne (excluding salt and chili flakes). The secret lies in selecting the finest ingredients available and cooking the pasta to perfect al dente. Indeed, it's as straightforward as that. If you’re in search of a quick and easy meal for dinner, this pasta is more than perfect—it’s exceptional. Ready in under 30 minutes, the flavors and textures it offers are incredibly satisfying.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups penne pasta (about 8 oz)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, or to taste

• Salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt the butter and olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it is soft and translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for an additional 15 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Season with chili flakes and salt to taste. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, about 10 to 11 minutes, or according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.

Add the pasta along with the reserved cooking liquid to the tomato sauce. Stir well to coat and cook together for an additional minute to blend the flavors. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve immediately.