Tomato Pasta Recipe

 


Introduction

Tomato Pasta is a simple, flavorful comfort food made with tender pasta tossed in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and sweet tomatoes come together to create a delicious meal that tastes fresh and satisfying without requiring complicated ingredients. It is perfect for busy weeknights, quick family dinners, or an easy meat-free meal. Serve it with warm garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete dinner.

⏱️ Prep Time

10 minutes

🍳 Cook Time

25 minutes

🕒 Total Time

35 minutes

🌡️ Oven Temperature

N/A — Stovetop

🧩 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Pasta — Spaghetti works beautifully with tomato sauce. Penne, rigatoni, or linguine can be substituted.
  • Canned tomatoes — Create the rich, flavorful sauce. Crushed fresh tomatoes can be used instead.
  • Tomato paste — Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds body. Use extra crushed tomatoes if unavailable.
  • Garlic — Adds savory depth and aroma. Garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Parmesan cheese — Adds salty, nutty richness. Pecorino Romano can be used instead.
  • Fresh basil — Brings a bright, fresh finish. Dried basil can be substituted.

❓ TIPS SECTION

  • Cook the garlic gently so it becomes fragrant without turning bitter.
  • Simmer the tomato sauce long enough for the flavors to deepen and the excess liquid to reduce.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Toss the pasta in the sauce for a few minutes instead of simply spooning sauce over the top.

🧺 Ingredients You'll Need

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • ½ tsp sugar, optional
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.

3. Build the Tomato Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sugar if using.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper as the sauce thickens.

5. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta directly to the tomato sauce and toss well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening, then simmer together for 1–2 minutes.

6. Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in half of the Parmesan and most of the fresh basil. Serve immediately with the remaining Parmesan and basil scattered over the top.

🌿 Garnish & Serving

  • Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over each serving.
  • Add fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish.
  • Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

🧊 Storage

Store leftover Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months, although the texture may soften slightly. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth until heated through.

⏰ Make Ahead

The tomato sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Cook the pasta fresh and toss it with the warmed sauce just before serving.

🔄 Variations

  1. Creamy Tomato Pasta — Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream near the end of cooking for a smooth, creamy sauce.
  2. Spicy Tomato Pasta — Increase the red pepper flakes and add a little chili oil for extra heat.
  3. Tomato Chicken Pasta — Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a heartier, protein-rich version.

🍽️ Serving Pairings

  • Garlic Bread — Crisp, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce.
  • Garden Salad — A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness.
  • Roasted Vegetables — Roasted zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers make a simple vegetable side.

This classic Tomato Pasta is an easy, flavorful dinner that turns simple ingredients into a comforting homemade meal.

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