Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and oh-so-satisfying, you’ve landed in the right place with my tomato pasta recipe. Seriously, this is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance! It’s perfect for beginners because it requires just a few ingredients and minimal fuss. Trust me, if you can boil water, you can make this dish! Plus, the rich flavor of the crushed tomatoes combined with aromatic garlic and fresh basil is downright irresistible. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this deliciously easy tomato pasta that’s sure to impress anyone who sits at your table. You won’t believe how quickly you’ll be twirling your fork in this comforting bowl of goodness!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious tomato pasta! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g spaghetti – the star of the dish! You can use any pasta you like, but spaghetti is a classic choice.
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes – this is where all that rich flavor comes from. Look for high-quality tomatoes for the best taste!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives an aromatic kick that’s hard to beat.
- 1 onion, chopped – a sweet addition that adds depth to your sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and adding that lovely Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – a must-have herb that brings warmth and earthiness to the sauce.
- Salt to taste – always adjust the seasoning to make the flavors pop!
- Pepper to taste – a little bit of black pepper goes a long way in enhancing the dish.
- Fresh basil for garnish – because who doesn’t love a pop of green on their plate? It adds freshness and looks beautiful too!
Now that you have everything ready, we’re one step closer to making your kitchen smell like a cozy Italian trattoria!
How to Prepare Instructions
Boil the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that water boiling! Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. This is super important because it flavors the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then toss in your spaghetti. Check the package instructions for cooking time, usually about 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Trust me, you don’t want to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite. You can sneak a taste a minute or two before the timer goes off just to be sure!
Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, let’s whip up that beautiful sauce! In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Now, here comes the magic! Pour in the 2 cups of crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally, so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the spaghetti is cooked to perfection, drain it in a colander, but don’t rinse it! You want the pasta to keep that starchy goodness, which helps the sauce cling better. Now, add the drained spaghetti straight into the pan with your simmering sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the pasta is well coated. This is where all the flavors come together, so don’t be shy about mixing!
Serve and Garnish
Now for the best part—serving it up! Grab your favorite pasta bowls and spoon the delicious tomato pasta into each one. A little tip: if you want to impress, twirl the pasta with a fork for a lovely presentation. Top it off with some fresh basil leaves for that vibrant pop of color and a burst of freshness. Serve it hot, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish.
Nutritional Information
Before we dig in, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious tomato pasta! Please keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just a general guide. For each serving, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
This pasta dish is not only comforting but also packed with flavor, making it an enjoyable addition to your meal rotation!
Tips for Success
To make sure your tomato pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, remember to taste your sauce as it simmers—this is your chance to adjust the seasoning. If it needs a little more kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar can work wonders!
Also, don’t rush the sautéing process. Allow the onions and garlic to soften and develop their flavors before adding the tomatoes. If you find your sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up; it’s full of starch and will help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
And finally, keep an eye on your pasta! No one likes mushy spaghetti, so check it a minute or two before the package time is up. Follow these tips, and you’ll be a tomato pasta pro in no time!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to customize this tomato pasta to suit your taste! For a veggie-packed delight, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sauce preparation. They’ll add color and nutrition!
If you want to boost the protein, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Feeling a little spicy? A dash of crushed red pepper flakes will kick things up a notch. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh twist. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious tomato pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3–4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it retains that scrumptious flavor!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. You can use the microwave—just pop it in for about 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Alternatively, for an even better texture, reheat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to life! Enjoy your pasta just like the first time around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: This tomato pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these pantry staples at home, making it easy to whip up on a whim!
- Beginner-Friendly: With straightforward steps and no complicated techniques, even novice cooks will shine.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you’ve got some ripe tomatoes on hand, go for it! Just chop them up and use about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes to replace the 2 cups of canned crushed tomatoes. You may want to cook them down a bit longer to break down the flesh.
What if I don’t have spaghetti?
No worries at all! You can use any type of pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options work great. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, it’s super easy! Just skip the cheese garnishes and make sure any other toppings or additions you use are plant-based. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I store leftovers?
To store your tomato pasta, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently to keep the flavors fresh!
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta and mix it in with the sauce for a quick meal!
For more pasta recipes, check out this link for simple steps to delicious homemade joy!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of tomatoes, you can read more about it here.
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Tomato Pasta: 5 Steps to Delicious Mastery for Beginners
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious tomato pasta recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and add oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce, mixing well.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use a large pot for boiling pasta to prevent it from sticking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite.
- Feel free to add vegetables or proteins to customize your dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, beginner pasta recipe
