Simple Tomato Pasta
A comforting, kid-friendly classic featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, sweet tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- •1 pound spaghetti or penne pasta (450g)
- •2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces / 800g)
- •1 teaspoon sugar
- •0.5 teaspoon salt
- •0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- •0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese (50g)
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
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- 6
Drain the cooked pasta and reserve about half a cup of the pasta water.
- 7
Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce, tossing well to coat every piece.
- 8
Stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening, then top with grated parmesan cheese before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Add a pinch of sugar to cut the natural acidity of the tomatoes, which makes it much more appealing to kids.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- You can swap the parmesan for cheddar cheese if your kids prefer a milder, cheesier flavor.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature glossy, perfectly coated pasta with a vibrant red tomato aroma and a savory, mild, comforting flavor.