Name: Penne Napoli Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 Onion – finely chopped; 3 cloves Garlic – minced; 32 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes; 2 tbsp Tomato Paste – tomato puree; 1 pinch Sugar; 1 lb Penne Pasta; ½ cup Grated Parmesan or Vegetarian Alternative; Fresh Basil Leaves – optional, finely sliced

If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s as quick as it is delicious, Penne Napoli is a perfect go-to recipe. With its vibrant tomato sauce, aromatic onions and garlic, and plenty of fresh basil, every forkful offers a taste of classic Italian home cooking. This is the dish you whip up on busy weeknights, knowing you’ll get maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Simple, honest ingredients do all the heavy lifting here, transforming humble pantry staples into a pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re new to Italian recipes or searching for a fresh twist on a favorite, Penne Napoli promises satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Penne Napoli is how each ingredient works its magic with such simplicity. These essentials come together to create a sauce that’s rich, bold, and undeniably comforting—without any need for fancy extras.

Olive Oil: The foundation for a silky, flavorful sauce—use a good quality extra virgin for best results.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds subtle sweetness and depth, perfectly rounding out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic: Essential for that irresistible aroma—don’t be shy, three cloves infuse the sauce with rich flavor.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: The star ingredient for Penne Napoli; choose good quality as their flavor shines through in every bite.
Tomato Paste: Just a spoon or two gives the sauce body and an extra hit of tomatoey intensity.
Sugar: Just a pinch helps balance the tomatoes’ acidity for a beautifully rounded sauce.
Penne Pasta: This shape is key—the ridges trap all that luscious sauce, making every mouthful as good as the last.
Grated Parmesan (or Vegetarian Alternative): For that essential salty, nutty finish that takes this dish over the top.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional, but highly recommended—sliced basil adds a fragrant, fresh twist at the very end.

How to Make Penne Napoli

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. After a minute, toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook gently for about five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion turns soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a delicious, sweet aroma that’s the perfect base for the sauce.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Next, add in the minced garlic and stir it through. Let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant—you don’t want it to brown, just release its flavor. This quick step infuses the oil and onions with garlicky goodness, setting the stage for the tomatoes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with the tomato paste and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat so your sauce can simmer steadily. Let it bubble away for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens and all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Penne

While your sauce is simmering, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, following the package instructions. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta—don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy cooking water, which can help you achieve the perfect sauce texture later.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Now comes the best part—add the cooked penne straight into the pan with your Napoli sauce. Toss everything well so all the pasta is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s velvety and clings to every piece. Serve the Penne Napoli immediately, topped with plenty of grated Parmesan and a flourish of fresh basil.

How to Serve Penne Napoli

Garnishes

The simplest finish is often the best: shower your Penne Napoli with freshly grated Parmesan or a vegetarian hard cheese, and add a handful of thinly sliced basil leaves for a pop of vibrant color and fresh aroma. If you love a pinch of heat, a little cracked black pepper or a hint of red chile flakes can also do wonders.

Side Dishes

Penne Napoli pairs beautifully with so many sides. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette contrasts perfectly with the richness of the sauce, while warm, crusty bread is ideal for mopping up every last bit. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving it with roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Penne Napoli feel extra special? Plate it up family-style in a big serving dish and scatter it with basil and lots of Parmesan. For individual portions, twirl the pasta into neat nests and top with a fresh basil sprig. You can even serve it alongside grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or roasted eggplant for a heartier meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Penne Napoli keeps surprisingly well. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a truly tasty next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Penne Napoli, transfer the cooled pasta and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. It’s best to slightly undercook the pasta if you know you’ll be freezing, so it won’t turn mushy when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Penne Napoli gently in a skillet with a splash of water or tomato passata to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add extra Parmesan just before serving for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If tomatoes are in season and bursting with flavor, chop them up and use about two pounds in place of canned. Just note fresh tomatoes may create a lighter sauce, so you might want to simmer a bit longer to concentrate the flavors.

Is Penne Napoli vegetarian?

Yes, the base recipe is completely vegetarian, especially if you choose a vegetarian Parmesan alternative. It’s simple, meat-free, and always satisfying.

Can I make Penne Napoli gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The Napoli sauce itself contains no gluten, so it works beautifully with any pasta you prefer.

How can I make the sauce richer?

If you like a richer Napoli sauce, add a small knob of butter just before serving or swirl in a bit of heavy cream for an ultra-silky finish. Some even like to stir in a spoonful of mascarpone.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

While penne is the classic choice for Penne Napoli, you can easily use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to pick a shape with plenty of surface area for that gorgeous sauce to cling to!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Penne Napoli a try—this is one of those dishes that turns simple pantry staples into pure magic. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it never fails to impress. Make it for yourself, your family, or your friends—just don’t be surprised when everyone goes back for seconds!