Craving a mouthwatering Italian classic that can be whipped up faster than you can say "buon appetito"? Look no further! This Easy Tomato and Pasta recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, hungry families, or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish will become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour the canned tomatoes into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break them down into smaller pieces. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to ensure every pasta strand is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally drizzling with a little extra olive oil for added richness.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silkier sauce and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are ideal if you can find them.
- Don't overcook the garlic - it can turn bitter. 30-45 seconds is just right to release its aromatic flavors.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta in the sauce.
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference - tear it, don't chop, to release more flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
