Exceptional Aging Members' Site

Penne Pasta with Homemade Tomato Sauce

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 28-oz. cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained
2 T. dried Italian seasoning (or 2 t. each dried basil, oregano, and parsley)
1 t. crushed red pepper flakes
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 16-oz. box penne pasta
2 c. fresh spinach
1 c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
1 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided

Serve with: Fresh, chopped basil, side salad, and crusty Italian bread

Directions

  1. Position oven rack to top position and spray a 9″ x 13” glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes or until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until soft and lightly brown.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce starts to thicken.
  4. While sauce is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions until ‘al dente.’ Reserve ½ cup of cooking liquid before draining. Once drained, transfer pasta to a large heat-resistant bowl and set aside.
  5. Add reserved pasta cooking liquid and approximately 1/3 of the spinach to the sauce and stir to combine. Once wilted, add the remaining spinach in 2 or 3 batches until it is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Add 1/3 cup each Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat and pour sauce over cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
  7. Transfer pasta mixture to prepared baking dish and top with remaining Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. Place under broiler set to high for approximately 2 minutes, or until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and top with chopped, fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately with a crisp, green side salad and crusty Italian bread. Enjoy!