Easy Tomato Pasta
A timeless Italian classic, this easy tomato pasta recipe brings together simple ingredients for a comforting and incredibly flavorful meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp sugar (optional) to balance acidity
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld.
- Uncover the sauce, stir in the chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh mozzarella balls or ricotta cheese can also be added at the end for creaminess. A splash of red wine can elevate the sauce's flavor during simmering. Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping!