Penne With Tomatoes, Olives And Two Cheeses
Creamy penne pasta with a rich tomato, olive, and cheese sauce, perfect for comforting dinners and lovers of bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 3 (28 oz.) cans Italian plum tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 2 cups low salt chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 lb. penne pasta ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups packed grated Havarti cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced olives ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Mix in drained Italian plum tomatoes, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Add chicken broth.
- Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the mixture thickens to a chunky sauce and reduces to about 6 cups, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
- Stir in grated Havarti cheese, sliced olives, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley or oregano. You can substitute Havarti cheese with mozzarella if desired, or use a mix of cheeses for a unique taste. If you prefer a bit of meat, cooked chicken can be added, similar to recipes like Denny'S Chicken or Chicken, Farmer Style(Pollo Contadino, Italian).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Penne With Tomatoes, Olives And Two Cheeses hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if available. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Penne With Sun-Dried Tomatoes And Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Tomatoes, Olives And Two Cheeses contains roughly 353 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (473% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarians. Simply omit the chicken broth or use a vegetable broth instead. The dish is already packed with flavor from the tomatoes and cheese, making it satisfying without meat.
What type of olives should I use?
You can use green, black, or Kalamata olives based on your preference. Each type will add a different flavor profile to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, go for green olives, while Kalamata will add a stronger, more robust flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also incorporate diced fresh chili peppers into the sauce while it simmers for an extra kick. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
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).