Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

Fijian Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender pasta, savory Canadian bacon, and sweet red pepper in a creamy tomato sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic Italian pasta dish. The addition of Canadian bacon and red pepper adds a unique flavor profile to the traditional tomato cream sauce. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) uncooked penne pasta
vegetable cooking spray
4 oz (113 g) chopped canadian bacon
0.75 cup chopped sweet red pepper
0.25 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) whole peeled tomatoes (no-salt)
1 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp dried basil
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
0.25 tsp salt
2 tsp all-purpose flour
0.25 cup evaporated skimmed milk

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, omitting any fat or salt. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until it becomes hot.
Add the Canadian bacon and the next three ingredients, and sauté them until the vegetables become tender.
Add the tomato and the next four ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well.
Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture is thoroughly heated.
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
Garnish with a basil sprig if desired.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different types of pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure that it retains its texture when mixed with the sauce.

- Use a non-stick skillet to sauté the Canadian bacon and vegetables to prevent sticking.

- Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the Canadian bacon and vegetables until they are tender.

- Simmer the tomato cream sauce until it thickens.

- Stir in the cooked pasta and heat through before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular bacon instead of Canadian bacon.

- Use diced tomatoes instead of whole peeled tomatoes.

- Use regular milk instead of evaporated skimmed milk.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tomato cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta and combine with the sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C from the red pepper and tomatoes. It also contains iron and potassium from the Canadian bacon.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the evaporated skimmed milk. It also contains gluten from the pasta.

Summary

Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make. With a creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory Canadian bacon, it is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were visiting our relatives in Italy, and I was intrigued by the delicious aromas that filled the air whenever my Nonna prepared her famous pasta dishes.

One afternoon, as my mother and I were helping Nonna in the kitchen, she took out a worn and stained recipe card from a drawer and handed it to me. "This is a recipe that has been passed down in our family for generations," she said with a smile. "It is a simple yet delicious dish that everyone loves."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, taking in the savory combination of tomatoes, cream, and herbs. I could already imagine the rich and creamy sauce coating the tender penne pasta, creating a mouthwatering dish that would surely become a family favorite.

Nonna patiently guided me through the steps, showing me how to cook the pasta al dente and make the velvety tomato cream sauce from scratch. She explained the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together perfectly.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, I couldn't wait to taste the final result. Nonna ladled the creamy sauce over the piping hot penne pasta and sprinkled it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The first bite was pure bliss – the creamy texture of the sauce, the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, and the hint of fresh herbs all combined to create a symphony of flavors in my mouth.

From that moment on, Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce became a staple in our family gatherings and celebrations. I would often make it for my friends and family, impressing them with my newfound culinary skills. And every time I prepared the dish, I would think back to that day in Nonna's kitchen, where I learned the secret recipe that would become a cherished tradition in our family.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it even more special. I have experimented with different herbs and spices, varying the types of tomatoes used, and even trying out different types of cream to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

But no matter how many times I make it, Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce always reminds me of my dear Nonna and the love and passion she put into every dish she prepared. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time, bringing joy and comfort to those who taste it.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my family and friends, sharing a meal made with love and memories, I am grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through the generations. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will be inspired to learn the art of cooking and carry on the tradition of Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce.