| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 372 | 9g | 3g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 5g | 15g | 0.21g |
Oh, spaghetti nights in the south! They certainly do bring a flood of warm and fond memories. But, today, my dear friends, we’re giving an interesting spin to a familiar dish, creating a dish so delicious you’d wish for a second or even a third trip to the kitchen. Let’s delve into the culinary world of Penne Pasta with Fingerroot and Spicy Tomato Sauce.
An Homage to Southern and Italian Cuisine
While my roots are firmly embedded in the rich southern culinary soil, I’ve found joy in experimenting with ingredients from far and wide. This Penne Pasta with Fingerroot and Spicy Tomato Sauce, although not purely Southern, perfectly embodies my love for adventure in my kitchen. The amalgamation of Southern and Italian flairs wrapped in a healthy, guilt-free meal is undeniably appealing to any food lover with a sense of adventure.
If you’re accustomed to the classic pairing of spaghetti and meatballs or the southern classic of mac n’ cheese, this decadent dish will be a delightful variation. It’s certainly a more palate-awakening alternative, thanks to the spicy tomato sauce and fingerroot that adds a unique twist. Pair it with a glass of dry white wine, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy meal.
Overflowing with Health Benefits
This recipe is not only rich in flavor but also packed with health benefits. Fingerroot possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, playing a crucial role in promoting a healthy immune system. And let’s not forget the spicy tomato sauce. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that’s been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
From the fragrant garlic and onions, which are fantastic immune system boosters, to the olive oil, rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, this dish is truly a powerhouse of beneficial nutrients. Plus, it’s vegetarian friendly and could easily be made vegan with the right substitutions.
Flavorful, simple to prepare and packed to the brim with nutrients, this Penne Pasta with Fingerroot and Spicy Tomato Sauce is your ticket to a dinner that’s as delightful as it is nutritious. Enjoy it solo or accompanied by a fresh garden salad – it’s sure to please your family and impress your guests. Bon appetit, y’all!
What You’ll Need
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups spicy tomato sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 fingerroots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Step One
First, cook the penne pasta according to the instructions provided on the packet. Once cooked, drain the water and set aside.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until they are softened and aromatic. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the thinly sliced fingerroots to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they are just beginning to soften.
Step Four
Next, add the spicy tomato sauce to the pan, along with the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for around 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Five
Pour the cooked and drained penne pasta into the pan, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce. Ensure that all the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the pasta seems too dry, you can add a small amount of pasta water to give it a glossier finish.
Step Six
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese. Be sure to save a small amount of the cheese to sprinkle on top of the pasta before serving.
Step Seven
Lastly, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
