Penne In A Basil Meat Sauce
A hearty penne pasta dish featuring a flavorful basil meat sauce with beef, sausage, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dry vermouth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut in 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic ⓘ
- 5 large ripe tomatoes, blanched and peeled
- 1 can Italian plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 pound Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant, but do not burn.
- Add the browned beef stew meat, Italian sausage, and all remaining ingredients including chopped fresh basil, parsley, tomatoes, tomato paste, vermouth, and black pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for one hour to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine along with the vermouth. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef stew meat and Italian sausage. Fresh tomatoes can be replaced with canned diced tomatoes if necessary. Ensure to finely chop the garlic to enhance its flavor in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the penne topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional chopped basil. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Thirty Minute Lasagna, creating a comforting Italian meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Penne in a Basil Meat Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne In A Basil Meat Sauce contains roughly 1698 calories, with 74g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 129g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and protein (148% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2610mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the beef stew meat and Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking times as ground meats typically cook faster. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of mushrooms and lentils.
What can I serve with Penne in a Basil Meat Sauce?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the meat sauce. A glass of red wine can enhance the flavors, making it a perfect meal for gatherings or family dinners.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic. You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild to elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).