Tomato Pasta

Looking for a quick and delicious meal? This tomato pasta recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also bursting with flavor. With fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

• 200g pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of this tomato pasta contains roughly 350 calories, 12g of protein, 55g of carbohydrates, and 10g of fat. This is based on a serving size of 1 plate.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
7. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
8. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a bit of the cooking water.
9. Add the drained pasta to the tomato sauce and toss well.
10. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, if desired.

Alternative Ingredients

You can easily modify this recipe by using canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones for convenience. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Serving and Pairings

This tomato pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the pasta may become mushy.

Cooking Mistakes

• Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture.
• Not seasoning the water can result in bland pasta.
• Using unripe tomatoes will affect the flavor.
• Skipping the garlic will lessen the dish’s aroma.
• Not tossing the pasta with the sauce can lead to uneven flavor.

Helpful Tips

• Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasoning.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes for variety.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works perfectly and adds extra fiber to the dish.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese to keep it vegan.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a kick.

What can I serve with tomato pasta?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This tomato pasta recipe is a delightful and simple dish that brings the taste of Italy to your table. With its fresh ingredients and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite!

Tomato Pasta

A simple and flavorful tomato pasta dish that combines fresh ingredients and rich flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: tomato pasta, Italian recipe, quick meals

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

• 200 g pasta spaghetti or penne
• 3 ripe tomatoes chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

• Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
• Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
• Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a bit of the cooking water.
• Add the drained pasta to the tomato sauce and toss well.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 3g