Classic Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Name: Classic Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250 grams Pasta (e.g., Spaghetti, Penne) (dry); 400 grams Canned Crushed Tomatoes or Jarred Pasta Sauce (or 1.5 cups); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Salt (plus more for pasta water, to taste); 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste); 50 grams Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, for serving); 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil or Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

This quick and easy recipe demonstrates how to prepare a classic pasta dish, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. It features perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich tomato-based sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh cheese and herbs. The video provides a high-level overview of the preparation, making it ideal for visual learners seeking inspiration for a straightforward, delicious meal.

#Pasta

#Italian

#Easy Recipe

#Dinner

#Classic

#Tomato Sauce

#Weeknight Meal

#Vegetarian

Classic Pasta with Fresh Garnish

Recipe Information

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

450

Calories

15g

Protein

60g

Carbs

18g

Fat

Mixing Pasta and Sauce

Ingredients

Pasta (e.g., Spaghetti, Penne)
(dry)
250 grams
Canned Crushed Tomatoes or Jarred Pasta Sauce
(or 1.5 cups)
400 grams
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Garlic
(minced)
2 cloves
Salt
(plus more for pasta water, to taste)
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
(freshly ground, to taste)
0.5 teaspoon
Parmesan Cheese
(freshly grated, for serving)
50 grams
Fresh Basil or Parsley
(chopped, for garnish)
1 tablespoon

Servings: 3

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Adding Cooked Pasta to Sauce

Instructions

0/5 completed

1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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10m
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Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
10m
Salting the pasta water sufficiently infuses flavor into the pasta from the start.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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10m
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
10m
A longer simmer deepens the flavor of the tomato sauce. If using canned tomatoes, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
3
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly. Add the drained pasta directly to the simmering sauce in the skillet.
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1m
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Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly. Add the drained pasta directly to the simmering sauce in the skillet.
1m
Do not rinse the pasta; the starch on its surface helps the sauce cling better.
4
Toss the pasta with the sauce until it is well coated. If the sauce appears too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
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1m
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Toss the pasta with the sauce until it is well coated. If the sauce appears too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
1m
The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps to create a luscious, emulsified sauce.
5
Transfer the pasta to individual serving plates. Garnish with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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1m
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Transfer the pasta to individual serving plates. Garnish with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
1m
For an extra touch, drizzle a tiny bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish.