Quick & Easy Classic Tomato Pasta
A simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week. This classic recipe highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, creating a robust base that pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta shape.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped (for garnish
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated (for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in fresh chopped basil, if using. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Fresh basil stirred in at the end adds a burst of flavor. This sauce freezes well for future quick meals. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add cooked ground meat or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a heartier meal.