Pasta with Tomato Sauce: A Simple, Delicious Recipe
This recipe provides a foundational understanding of how to make a classic pasta with tomato sauce. It’s perfect for beginners and offers a delicious base that you can easily customize to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salting the water is crucial; it seasons the pasta from the inside out.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic; it will become bitter.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother sauce: Blend the sauce with an immersion blender before adding the pasta.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
- Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make it meatier: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the garlic.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use fresh tomatoes: During tomato season, use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned. Simply chop them and simmer them with the garlic and herbs.
SEO Keywords:
This recipe is optimized for keywords like: pasta with tomato sauce recipe, easy pasta recipe, simple tomato sauce recipe, homemade pasta sauce, Italian pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner. The variations section further expands keyword targeting to include specific additions like meat sauce pasta recipe or vegetarian pasta recipe. The use of these keywords throughout the text naturally improves SEO.
Conclusion:
This simple pasta with tomato sauce recipe is a delicious and versatile meal. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
