Easy Everyday Tomato Pasta

Name: Easy Everyday Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300 grams Spaghetti or preferred pasta (Any short or long pasta will work); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin for best flavor); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced or finely chopped); 1/2 medium Onion (Finely chopped); 400 grams Crushed Tomatoes (Canned, or diced tomatoes); 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped, for sauce and garnish); to taste teaspoons Salt (Adjust according to preference); to taste teaspoons Black Pepper (Freshly ground is best); for serving grams Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated, optional)

A quick and delightful pasta dish featuring a simple tomato sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and minimal effort to create a satisfying and flavorful meal that's an all-time favorite.

#easyrecipe

#pasta

#dinner

#food

#cooking

#cookwithme

#quickmeal

#vegetarian

A vibrant bowl of freshly prepared tomato pasta, garnished with basil and parmesan.

Recipe Information

10m

Prep Time

28m

Cook Time

38m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

480

Calories

17g

Protein

75g

Carbs

12g

Fat

Close-up of the pasta being tossed in the pan with the rich red tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Spaghetti or preferred pasta
(Any short or long pasta will work)
300 grams
Olive Oil
(Extra virgin for best flavor)
2 tablespoons
Garlic
(Minced or finely chopped)
3 cloves
Onion
(Finely chopped)
1 medium
Crushed Tomatoes
(Canned, or diced tomatoes)
400 grams
Fresh Basil
(Chopped, for sauce and garnish)
1 cup
Salt
(Adjust according to preference)
to taste teaspoons
Black Pepper
(Freshly ground is best)
to taste teaspoons
Parmesan Cheese
(Freshly grated, optional)
for serving grams

Servings: 4

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

The bubbling tomato sauce simmering gently in the pan.

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water heats, finely chop the garlic and onion.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water heats, finely chop the garlic and onion.
5m
Generously salt your pasta water; it's your only chance to season the pasta itself.
2
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
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10m
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
10m
Cooking pasta al dente ensures it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
3
In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5m
Don't rush sautéing the aromatics; this builds the base flavor for your sauce.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add about half of the chopped fresh basil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add about half of the chopped fresh basil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
10m
The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a glossy finish.
5
Add the drained, cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the pan. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If needed, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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2m
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Add the drained, cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the pan. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If needed, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
2m
Tossing the pasta in the sauce rather than serving sauce over pasta helps the pasta absorb more flavor.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
1m
Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.