Oh, the joy of cooking! There’s just something magical about the way a simple meal can bring people together. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite pasta recipe—it’s so simple that even if you’ve never cooked before, you’ll feel like a pro in no time! When I first started making pasta at home, I was amazed at how easy it is to whip up a delicious dish with just a handful of ingredients. This recipe is a great starting point, perfect for beginners who want to impress family or friends without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on making your own pasta dishes! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients List
To make this delightful pasta, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that are easy to find and totally delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200 grams of pasta: Any type you love! I usually go for spaghetti or penne.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: This adds a lovely richness and flavor to your dish.
- 1 clove of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste to the sauce.
- 400 grams of canned tomatoes: Use whole, crushed, or diced tomatoes—whatever you have on hand.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for flavoring the pasta and sauce. Adjust as you like!
- Pepper, to taste: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: A handful of these brightens up the dish beautifully.
That’s it! You’re on your way to a fabulous meal. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pasta dish ready in no time.
- Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil over high heat. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Once the water is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. This is crucial for flavor! Then, toss in your 200 grams of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it’ll still have a slight bite to it. Trust me, overcooked pasta is a no-go!
- While your pasta is cooking, grab a separate pan and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers a bit.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it—it can turn bitter quickly!
- Next, pour in the 400 grams of canned tomatoes, and sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when all those flavors meld together!
- Once your pasta is cooked, drain it carefully. You can reserve a bit of the pasta water if you want to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Finally, add the drained pasta to the sauce and mix everything well. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for that perfect finishing touch!
And there you have it! A scrumptious pasta dish that’s easy to make and oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this pasta recipe? No worries! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:
How do I know when my pasta is al dente?
You’ll want to taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the package time is up. It should be tender but still have a slight firmness when you bite into it—definitely not mushy!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to peel and chop them first and cook them a bit longer to break down into a sauce. Fresh tomatoes can add a vibrant flavor!
What if I don’t have basil?
No basil? No problem! You can substitute with other herbs like parsley or oregano, or even skip the garnish altogether. It’ll still taste fantastic!
Can I add protein to this recipe?
For sure! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can amp up the protein in your dish. Just add them in when you mix the pasta with the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Perfect for beginners; no fancy skills required.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
- Deliciously satisfying and packed with flavor.
- Customizable to your taste with endless variations!
This recipe is truly a winner for any night of the week!
Tips for Success
Want to take your pasta recipe to the next level? Here are some pro tips to ensure you nail it every time!
- Don’t skip the salt: Adding salt to the boiling water is key! It enhances the pasta’s flavor, so don’t hold back.
- Save some pasta water: If your sauce turns out too thick, that starchy pasta water is your best friend! Just add a splash to loosen it up.
- Pay attention to timing: Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta. Set a timer and taste it a minute or two early to get that perfect al dente bite.
- Mix well: Toss the pasta and sauce together thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated in that delicious sauce. You’ll be amazed at the difference!
- Add a finishing touch: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese just before serving can elevate your dish even more!
With these tips, you’ll be serving up pasta that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian kitchen. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this pasta recipe! Here are some delicious ideas to keep things exciting:
- Herb it up: Swap out the basil for fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano to give your dish a whole new flavor profile. Each herb brings its unique twist!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or toss in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
- Veggie delight: Stir in sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and color. You can even roast them for deeper flavor!
- Protein-packed: Throw in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meal. Chickpeas or cannellini beans are great vegetarian options too!
- Cheesy goodness: Mix in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese while the pasta is still hot, allowing it to melt into the dish beautifully.
With these variations, you can create a new pasta dish every time! Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover pasta? No problem! Storing and reheating it properly will ensure it stays just as delicious as when you first made it. Start by letting the pasta cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it! Just place the pasta in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For best results, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it regain its creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Enjoy every bite, just like the first time!
Nutritional Information Section
While I can provide some estimated nutritional values for this pasta recipe, keep in mind that the actual numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 10 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 70 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sodium: 300 milligrams
Always remember to adjust your ingredients according to your dietary needs, and enjoy a meal that’s not just delicious but also satisfying!
What to Do Next
I’d love to hear how your pasta turns out! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you customize it? Share your variations! And if you enjoyed this simple pasta recipe, give it a rating and share it with your friends on social media. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together! Happy pasta making!
Print
Pasta Recipe: 7 Simple Steps to Joyful Cooking!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple pasta recipe that anyone can make at home.
Ingredients
- 200 grams of pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 400 grams of canned tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Add a pinch of salt and pasta. Cook according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables or proteins for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 300 milligrams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 70 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Keywords: pasta recipe, easy pasta, beginner pasta
