About
When something tastes as good as it looks, you know it's a keeper! Pretty-Pretty Penne is easy on the eyes and yummy in your tummy! A beautifully seasoned, creamy tomato sauce, with a touch of white wine and loaded with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, surrounds the tender penne pasta like a warm hug. Adorned with a piece of your favorite garlic loaf, Pretty-Pretty Penne becomes a feast for your senses, both visually and internally. Enjoy this fetching meal!
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced, can substitute 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced, can substitute 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half, divided
- 1/2 cup white wine, can substitute reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shredded, divided
- fresh basil leaves, optional, to taste, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 -In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 2 -Drain the pasta and transfer it back into the pot.
Step 3 -In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 4 -Add the onion to the melted butter and sauté, while stirring frequently, until lightly-browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5 -Add the thyme, 2 tablespoons of the minced basil, and the salt and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 6 -Add 1 cup of the half-and-half, the wine, and the tomato paste to the onion mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until fully combined.
Step 7 -In a medium bowl, add the flour and the remaining half-and-half and whisk until smooth.
Step 8 -Gradually add the flour mixture to the onion mixture, while stirring constantly.
Step 9 -Bring the sauce mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 10 -Add 1/4 cup of the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
Step 11 -Add the penne into the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
Step 12 -Serve garnished with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the extra basil leaves.
