Brie and Tomato Penne Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
• 1 lb (450g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Steps to Cook:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.

4. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.

5. Add the cubed brie cheese to the skillet and stir gently until the cheese starts to melt, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the brie and tomato sauce.

8. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.

9. Serve the brie tomato pasta immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cook’s Note:

• For a creamier sauce, you can add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream.
• If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water.
• Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal taste preferences.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

This brie and tomato penne pasta dish is a delightful and indulgent weeknight meal that comes together quickly. The combination of creamy brie cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a flavor-packed sauce that coats the penne pasta perfectly.

The prep time for this recipe is just 10 minutes, and the actual cooking time is only 20 minutes, making it an easy and approachable dish for busy weeknights. The additional 5 minutes of time is allotted for the final assembly and serving.

To start, you’ll need to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet, you’ll sauté some minced garlic in olive oil to infuse the oil with the garlic’s aromatic flavor. Then, you’ll add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for a few minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.

Next, you’ll deglaze the pan with some dry white wine, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce. After that, you’ll gently stir in the cubed brie cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, luxurious base for the sauce.

To finish the sauce, you’ll pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your liking.

Finally, you’ll add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the brie and tomato sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil, which will add a bright, herbal note to the dish.

Serve the brie tomato penne pasta immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. The end result is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family or guests.

Remember, the cook’s notes provide some helpful tips, such as adjusting the amount of cream for a creamier sauce, thinning out the sauce with a bit of pasta cooking water if needed, and even adding cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Leftovers can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this recipe a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.