Perfect Pasta with Homemade Sauce

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta recipe that everyone will love? This homemade pasta dish is a classic favorite, and it's easy to prepare at home. The perfect balance of flavors, this pasta with homemade sauce can be prepared in under 30 minutes and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti or another pasta type of your choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional)
• Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the meantime, heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Stir occasionally so that it doesn’t burn at the bottom of the pan.
3. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make the sauce bitter.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly while you continue cooking your pasta.
5. Once your pasta is ready, drain it well but reserve about half a cup of pasta water before adding it back into the saucepan with the tomato mixture.
6. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper. If needed, add some oregano or basil for additional flavor. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure that all strands of pasta are coated evenly in the sauce.
7. Serve immediately garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips and Variations

• To add more depth of flavor, you can use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of dried ones. Fresh ingredients generally enhance the taste significantly compared to their dry counterparts.
• For a lighter version of this dish without losing its richness, consider using whole wheat pasta which adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining the delicious taste.

This homemade pasta recipe is not only comforting but also provides an opportunity for family members or friends to engage in cooking together. It’s versatile enough that you could even try adding different types of vegetables into the sauce like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach which would make it a vegetarian option if preferred.

Conclusion

Pasta with homemade sauce is more than just comfort food; it's a meal that can transport you back to simpler times. Its simplicity allows for endless variations based on what ingredients are available and your personal preferences. Whether you're hosting dinner parties, having casual lunch dates, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish offers both taste satisfaction and nutritional benefits.

With minimal effort required in terms of preparation time and materials needed, this recipe guarantees success every single time. So go ahead, give it a try! You won't be disappointed by the results.