Rustic Sunset Penne

A warm, comforting pasta dish that feels gourmet but relies entirely on shelf-stable staples. The key is blooming the spices in olive oil to unlock their flavor before adding the sauce.

Estimated Time:

• Prep: 5 minutes
• Cook: 15 minutes
• Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1. Penne Pasta (8 oz / 225g)
2. Canned Tomato Sauce (14 oz / 400g can)
3. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
4. Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
5. Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon)
6. Salt (1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste)
7. Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Water is not counted as an ingredient).
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rest.
3. Bloom the Spices: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the canned tomato sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors.
5. Combine: Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every noodle. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve: Divide into bowls and top generously with the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.