Simple Tomato Pasta
A comforting, classic Italian-style pasta dish that brings bright, fresh tomato flavors to the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- •1 pound (450g) spaghetti or penne pasta
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
- •1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine.
- 5
Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- 6
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- 7
Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- 8
Remove from heat, stir in the fresh basil, and serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
💡 Chef tips
- Save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; add a splash to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For a smoother sauce, you can pulse the canned tomatoes in a blender before adding them to the pan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features perfectly al dente pasta coated in a vibrant, slightly sweet tomato sauce with a fragrant hint of fresh basil and savory garlic.