Easy Tomato and Celery Penne
Simple, quick, easy, and delicious! This comforting savory pasta dish uses basic ingredients, so you can clear your pantry AND enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 6 oz penne uncooked
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter I use earth balance
- 2 stalks celery about 1 cup chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon vegan grated parmesan plus more to taste (I use Follow Your Heart)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Dash dried oregano
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, add the penne and cook according to package directions.
- When the skillet is hot, add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the celery is soft and slightly browned. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- Bring one cup of water to boil in a small pot. Once boiling, reduce to medium. Add the tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of parmesan, garlic, oregano, a pinch of salt, and a couple grinds of black pepper. Whisk to incorporate the tomato paste. This sauce is fairly thin. Allow to simmer gently while the pasta cooks.
- Chop the basil leaves and set aside.
- Strain the cooked pasta - pour the pasta water and penne in a strainer, and then quickly return the pasta to the pot, allowing some of the starchy water to remain with the pasta. This thickens the sauce and helps it stick to the pasta.
- Add the strained pasta, the sauce, and the basil to the skillet with the celery. Stir to thoroughly combine. Add more parmesan and black pepper to taste.