Speedy Cheesy Italian Penne: 15-Minute Comfort
Al dente penne swathed in a creamy, tangy tomato sauce with melted mozzarella.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the most satisfying. This Cheesy Italian Penne is a testament to that. It's a dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Italy – ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs – all coming together in a symphony of taste. What makes it truly special is its incredible speed; in just 15 minutes, you can have a comforting and delicious pasta dish on the table, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. Forget takeout, this is faster and far more flavorful!
- •Lightning-fast prep - From pantry to plate in a mere 15 minutes.
- •Creamy tomato bliss - The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness that perfectly complements the tangy tomatoes.
- •Melted mozzarella magic - The gooey, stretchy mozzarella creates pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- •Pantry staple convenience - Uses readily available ingredients, making it a go-to meal anytime.
- •Kid-friendly comfort - A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 1 pound Penne Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta from the inside out, enhancing its flavor.
~2 min
Tip: Use plenty of water to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn't stick together. - 2
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. 'Al dente' means 'to the tooth' in Italian; the pasta should be firm to the bite.
~10 min
Tip: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. - 3
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it's hot enough.
~1 min
Tip: Don't overheat the oil, or it will burn and impart a bitter flavor. - 4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
~1 min
Tip: Keep the heat low to avoid burning the garlic. - 5
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
~2 min
Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. - 6
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The cream will add a velvety texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
~1 min
Tip: Simmer gently to prevent the cream from curdling. - 7
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. The starchy pasta water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta.
~1 min
Tip: Don't rinse the pasta, as this will remove the starch that helps the sauce cling. - 8
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
~1 min
Tip: Ensure all the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. - 9
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy topping.
~1 min
Tip: Use a good quality mozzarella for the best flavor and melt. - 10
Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
~2 min
Tip: You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese faster, but watch it carefully to prevent burning. - 11
Remove from heat and let stand for a minute before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly.
~1 min
Tip: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. - 12
Serve immediately and enjoy your Speedy Cheesy Italian Penne! The combination of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta is irresistible.
0Tip: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The pasta should be al dente, and the mozzarella cheese should be completely melted and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Cooked Italian sausage or ground beef would be delicious additions. Add them after cooking the garlic and before adding the tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Speedy Cheesy Italian Penne: 15-Minute Comfort as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!