How to Make a Flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Tips for a delicious homemade tomato basil pasta sauce.

Tomato basil pasta sauce is one of the most popular dishes in Italian cuisine that many home cooks love to prepare. This article will guide you through creating this classic dish with easy-to-follow steps, ensuring your family and friends enjoy its rich flavors at every meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) fresh tomatoes or 2 cans of crushed tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Spaghetti or your favorite pasta

Preparation Steps

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, heat up olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
Throw in fresh tomatoes and let them simmer gently. You can use crushed tomatoes from cans if you prefer convenience.
If using fresh tomatoes, squeeze some juice out of them before adding to the pot to prevent splattering when cooking.
Allow the sauce to thicken a bit by stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes. If you prefer your sauce more liquid, add water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
Add minced basil leaves into the sauce and mix well.
Salt and pepper to taste before removing from heat.
Combine pasta with the tomato basil sauce in a large bowl. Toss together gently so that each strand of spaghetti is coated evenly with the sauce.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot!

Cooking Time and Servings

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-60 minutes depending on how long you let the sauce simmer.
Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: Serves 4-6 people

Tips for Success

For a richer flavor, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones.
To make sure your tomatoes are juicy and flavorful, squeeze them slightly when adding to the pot. This helps release more juice into the sauce.
If you're not a fan of raw garlic, sauté the garlic first before adding it to other ingredients for better flavor without burning taste.
Adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the overall taste even further!

Conclusion

A homemade tomato basil pasta sauce is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy classic Italian flavors. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to create an authentic dish that will impress anyone who tastes it! Whether served as a main course or paired with side dishes like breadsticks and mozzarella sticks, this sauce works beautifully across various meals.

Enjoy cooking and serving your family or friends this delightful tomato basil pasta sauce!