Imagine a mouthwatering Italian pasta dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, packed with vibrant flavors and simplicity that will make you feel like a professional chef. This Pasta con Tomate recipe is your secret weapon for a delicious meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but can be whipped up faster than you can order takeout!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta of choice
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour the canned diced tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, ensuring each serving gets an equal amount of sauce and pasta.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
- Use fresh basil if possible - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Don't overcook your garlic! 30-45 seconds is all you need to release its flavor without burning.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta with sauce, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, for maximum flavor in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
