Penne Pasta With Tomatoes and Gorgonzola Recipe
Overview
Penne Pasta With Tomatoes and Gorgonzola is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Gorgonzola cheese with the freshness of tomatoes and basil. It’s a perfect choice for lunch or a quick dinner, taking just under 40 minutes to prepare and cook. This recipe serves 4 people and is rated highly for its ease of preparation and delicious taste.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic cloves: 4 cloves, minced
- Italian plum tomatoes: 4, chopped
- Fresh basil: 1/2 cup chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter: 6 tablespoons
- Gorgonzola cheese: 4 ounces, crumbled
- Penne pasta: 1 pound
- Romano cheese: 1/4 cup, grated (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 967.3 per serving
- Total Fat: 53.8g
- Saturated Fat: 27.9g
- Cholesterol: 115.1mg
- Sodium: 1062.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 99.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 14.3g
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Protein: 26.2g
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent, about 8 minutes.
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Cook Tomatoes: Stir in chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and dried basil. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
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Prepare Gorgonzola Mixture: While the tomatoes cook, blend butter and Gorgonzola cheese together with a spoon until well combined.
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Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot.
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Combine and Serve: Whisk the Gorgonzola mixture into the tomato sauce. Pour the sauce over the drained pasta and stir well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with grated Romano and Parmesan cheeses, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
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Cheese: Use good quality Gorgonzola cheese for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
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Tomatoes: Opt for ripe Italian plum tomatoes for their sweet and tangy flavor, which complements the richness of the Gorgonzola.
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Pasta: Cook the penne pasta al dente to ensure it holds its shape and has a satisfying texture when combined with the sauce.
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Garnish: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness. Don’t skip it—it enhances both the visual appeal and flavor of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Penne Pasta With Tomatoes and Gorgonzola pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or spinach salad and garlic breadsticks. It’s a complete meal that balances creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner or entertaining guests, this Penne Pasta With Tomatoes and Gorgonzola recipe is sure to impress with its robust flavors and straightforward preparation. Enjoy the creamy richness of Gorgonzola cheese combined with the vibrant taste of tomatoes and basil—all in under 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for any occasion, this dish proves that gourmet meals can be both accessible and satisfying.
