How to Make Perfect Pasta with Homemade Tomato Sauce

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta recipe that everyone will love? Try making homemade tomato sauce and pair it with your favorite pasta shape for a meal that is sure to impress. This dish can be prepared in about 45 minutes and serves four people. Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering homemade pasta dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 400 grams spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Steps to Prepare:

Begin by preparing the tomato sauce. Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once it has heated up, throw in the finely chopped onions. Cook them until they become translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes. Next, add minced garlic to the mixture and cook for another minute or two.

Once your garlic is fragrant, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients together thoroughly before adding oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let this simmer gently on low heat while you prepare the pasta.

Pasta Cooking:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Make sure there’s enough room for the pasta to move around freely as it cooks so that it doesn't stick together.
2. Add salt and your preferred type and amount of pasta into boiling water according to package instructions. Generally, cook al dente - meaning just cooked but still firm inside.
3. When the pasta is done, drain thoroughly leaving out most of the water. It’s important not to overcook the pasta; otherwise, it may fall apart when mixed with sauce.

Serving:

Once your homemade tomato sauce has been simmered and reduced slightly for at least 30 minutes, start serving. Place a portion of the pasta onto each plate. Top off with some freshly grated Parmesan if desired but not necessary.

To serve immediately, pour over the hot pasta from the saucepan directly into individual bowls. Mix everything together well before enjoying your meal. For extra flavor, add additional fresh basil right before serving or as a garnish on top of each dish.

Pro Tips:

• Making homemade tomato sauce can sometimes be labor-intensive but worth the effort. You could try using store-bought low-acid tomatoes which require less cooking time than fresh ones for an easier version.
• If you want a creamier texture, consider adding heavy cream towards the end of simmering.
• Don’t forget to let the sauce cool slightly after boiling the pasta; otherwise, your pasta might be overcooked by the heat transfer from hot sauce.

Cooking Time and Servings:

This homemade pasta dish requires approximately 45 minutes of active cooking time but can simmer for longer hours if you prefer a thicker sauce. It serves four people generously.

Enjoy Your Meal!

With this simple yet satisfying recipe, you’ll have a delightful meal that is sure to become a family favorite! Try experimenting with different types of pasta or adjusting the spices based on personal preferences. Bon Appétit!