Penne With Golden Garlic
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring golden garlic and rich tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting meal that highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place olive oil and garlic in a medium saute pan.
- Cook over medium-low heat until garlic is soft and light golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add chopped tomatoes with their juice, salt, ground black pepper, and the bouillon cube.
- Cook until a sauce forms.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic. If you're short on time, pre-minced garlic or garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh adds the best taste. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. This dish pairs beautifully with Broccoli With Ziti Or Rigatoni for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Penne With Golden Garlic topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce. Browse more Italian recipes to complement this flavorful dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Microwaving is also an option, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Golden Garlic contains roughly 240 calories, with 9g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1999mg per serving (87% 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 pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while penne is ideal for capturing the sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to maintain the perfect texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve to ensure it maintains its texture. Combine everything just before serving for the best flavor.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Grilled chicken pairs particularly well, adding a nice texture and flavor contrast. This makes the dish more filling and satisfying, perfect for a complete dinner.
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).