Pasta Pomodoro
Experience the vibrant flavors of Italy with this classic, comforting pasta pomodoro made from simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- •1 pound spaghetti or penne pasta (450g)
- •2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped (900g)
- •1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (60ml)
- •4 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
- •1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative (50g)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 4
Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and light golden, taking care not to burn it.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- 6
Simmer the tomato mixture uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, crushing the tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon as they break down into a rich sauce.
- 7
Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- 8
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce, tossing well to coat every strand.
- 9
Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- 10
Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil leaves.
💡 Chef tips
- Use the ripest Roma or plum tomatoes you can find for the sweetest and most authentic flavor, or substitute with high-quality canned San Marzano whole tomatoes out of season.
- Never rinse your cooked pasta, as the natural surface starch is essential for helping the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Store leftover sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish is glossy and vibrant red with a sweet, tangy tomato flavor infused with fragrant garlic and fresh basil, perfectly coating the al dente pasta.