Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal that’ll impress anyone (including yourself!), you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe for pasta! Honestly, pasta is one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile, quick to whip up, and you can tweak it however you like! The best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make it taste amazing. I remember the first time I made pasta from scratch—it was a delightful mess, but it turned out so tasty that I couldn’t stop smiling. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this easy pasta adventure together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create your flavorful pasta dish. Don’t worry; these ingredients are simple and easy to find!
- 200g pasta: Any type you love! Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli all work beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds a lovely richness to your sauce. Extra virgin is my favorite for flavor!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and taste—trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
- 400g canned tomatoes: Look for whole or diced tomatoes; they’ll make your sauce oh-so-saucy.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch will do until you hit that perfect flavor balance.
- Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice kick; adjust it to your liking!
- Fresh basil leaves: These are the cherry on top! They brighten the dish and bring a fresh taste.
How to Prepare Instructions
Boil the Water
First things first, let’s get that water boiling! Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in a generous amount of salt—think like the sea! This seasoning is crucial because it flavors the pasta as it cooks. Turn the heat to high and cover the pot to speed up the boiling process. Once it’s bubbling away, you’re ready to add the pasta!
Cook the Pasta
Now that your water is boiling, toss in the pasta. Give it a gentle stir to prevent sticking. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. I always recommend tasting it a minute or two before the timer goes off to ensure it’s al dente—firm but not crunchy! Once it’s done, save a cup of that starchy pasta water (it’ll help thicken the sauce later) and drain the rest in a colander.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then, pour in those canned tomatoes. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, so all those flavors meld beautifully. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water!
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your sauce is ready and the pasta is perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring them together! Add the drained pasta straight into the sauce and toss everything together gently. If your sauce looks a little too dry, just mix in more of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This step is key for achieving that luscious, saucy goodness!
Serve the Dish
Now for the fun part—serving! Plate your pasta and garnish it with fresh basil leaves. You can also drizzle a bit more olive oil on top or sprinkle some grated cheese if you like. Trust me, a beautiful presentation makes the dish even more inviting! And there you have it—your delightful pasta is ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Perfect for beginners—no fancy techniques required!
- Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Endlessly customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins for a twist!
- Rich and satisfying flavors that come together effortlessly.
- Fresh basil elevates the dish, making it feel gourmet without the fuss.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to help you nail this pasta recipe! First off, watch the pasta closely while it cooks; overcooked pasta can turn mushy, and nobody wants that! If you’re unsure, always rely on the package cooking time but taste a minute early. Also, don’t skip saving some pasta water; it’s like liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s thickness! When sautéing garlic, keep an eye on it—burnt garlic can ruin the flavor! Lastly, feel free to play around with herbs and spices to make this dish your own. Cooking should be fun, so enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about what’s in this delicious pasta dish! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This pasta is not just tasty but also provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a satisfying meal. So dig in knowing you’re treating yourself right!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you love—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary a bit. For example, thin pasta like angel hair cooks faster than thicker shapes like rigatoni. Always check the package instructions for the best results, and don’t forget to taste it as it cooks to get that perfect al dente texture!
How can I add protein to this recipe?
There are so many tasty ways to add protein to your pasta! You could toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. If you’re looking for something super simple, try adding canned chickpeas or white beans for a hearty boost. Just make sure to warm them up in the sauce so they soak up all those delicious flavors!
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries at all! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead—just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount. Other great alternatives include parsley, oregano, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for that herby flavor. Each will give your pasta a unique twist, so feel free to experiment!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! Storing your pasta properly ensures it stays tasty for the next meal. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing it. Then, transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more it might absorb the sauce, so it could get a little drier.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! You can pop it in the microwave for a quick fix, but make sure to add a splash of water or extra olive oil to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Just add a bit of water or sauce to a pan, toss in the pasta, and heat it over medium-low, stirring gently until it’s hot and delicious again. Voila! Your pasta is ready for round two!
Print
Pasta Made Easy: 5 Steps to a Delicious Meal!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious pasta recipe perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add canned tomatoes and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
- Toss to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Watch the pasta closely to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pasta, easy pasta recipe, beginner pasta
