Perfect Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish that can be prepared quickly? This Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The rich flavor, vibrant colors, and ease of preparation make this a favorite among many families.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Total cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

600 grams of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any favorite pasta shape)
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be cooked just enough so that it has a slight bite to it.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion; sauté until the vegetables become translucent.
Add the tomatoes, dried basil, and salt to taste into the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving some of the pasta water. Toss the hot pasta with the tomato sauce in the pan. If needed, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency for your sauce.
Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley if preferred.

Tips for Success:

Ensure your tomatoes are ripe but not too watery. Ripe tomatoes will give a sweeter taste to the sauce, which complements well with the pasta.
If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes or black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Pasta should be cooked al dente; this way, it maintains a pleasant texture and adds a delightful bite when you bite into it.

Why This Recipe is Great:

This recipe allows for flexibility. You can customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to make it more nutritious and colorful. Additionally, if you have leftover chicken or beef from another meal, you could mix in with the pasta for a heartier dish.

Health Benefits:

This recipe is not only tasty but also provides various health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which help improve your immune system and skin health. Garlic has been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while the fiber found in whole grain pasta aids digestion.

Variations:

Meat Sauce Pasta: Instead of using a tomato sauce, you can add ground beef or chicken along with some canned tomatoes for a richer, meatier flavor. You might also consider adding mushrooms to enhance the texture and taste.
Baked Pasta Dish: Turn this into a gratin by baking it in an oven-preheated at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown on top. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving.

Conclusion:

This Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce is a delightful and straightforward dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Whether you're looking to prepare something quick for dinner or impress guests during a gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes. Enjoy your meal!