Penne Pasta with Napoletana Sauce & Feta Cheese

This Penne Pasta with Napoletana Sauce & Feta Cheese is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of a classic Italian tomato-based sauce with the creamy tanginess of feta cheese. The addition of fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese takes this dish to the next level, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch. It's easy to prepare and will surely become a family favorite.

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Ingredients
Penne Pasta3cups
onions (finely diced)1cup
Napoletana sauce2cups
Feta Cheese (cubed or broken)1cup
Basil Leaves (torn)2tbsp
Parmesan cheese (grated)1cup- Salt & Pepper to taste
vegetable oil2tbsp
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
404.3kcal (20.21%)
Protein
14.1g (28.14%)
Carbs
41.4g (15.06%)
Sugars
6.1g (12.16%)
Healthy Fat
11.0g
Unhealthy Fat
8.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Penne Pasta with Napoletana Sauce & Feta Cheese
- Step 1
Heat a pan to medium heat and add the onions. Sauté until golden brown.
- Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a little vegetable oil. Once the water is boiling rapidly, add the penne pasta and cook until al dente.
- Step 3
Add the Napoletana sauce to the pan with the golden brown onions. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the torn basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4
Remove the al dente penne from the water using a slotted spoon and add it directly to the Napoletana sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the pasta water. Simmer for 5 minutes until all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Step 5
Serve and sprinkle the feta cheese over the top. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
404.3kcal (20.21%)
Protein
14.1g (28.14%)
Carbs
41.4g (15.06%)
Sugars
6.1g (12.16%)
Healthy Fat
11.0g
Unhealthy Fat
8.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
For added flavor, you can toast the basil leaves lightly before adding them to the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice, but penne works best as it holds the sauce well.
Can I substitute feta cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta as a substitute for feta cheese.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the Napoletana sauce is vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the sauce before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Private Chef Anna
(@chefanna)
I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I am self-taught and have an extreme passion for various international cuisines. I have fallen in love with teaching others the skills that I have learnt, inspiring them through creative cooking.
...Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia