Some of the best meals are the simplest ones. I’ll never forget the first time I made Pasta with Tomato Sauce for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick yet comforting. I’d been craving the warmth of a good homemade pasta dish, and with just a few ingredients, I knew I could make something truly satisfying.
I started with the basics: good-quality pasta, ripe tomatoes, a bit of garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of basil. It wasn’t a fancy meal, but when the tomatoes cooked down into a rich, aromatic sauce and I tossed the pasta in, I realized it didn’t need to be. The flavors melded perfectly, creating a comforting, homemade dish that was pure happiness in a bowl. Each bite reminded me of family dinners, where good food was about more than just the ingredients—it was about sharing a moment of warmth and connection.
To this day, Pasta with Tomato Sauce remains one of my go-to dishes, whether I’m craving comfort or I’m in a rush. It’s simple, easy to make, and always satisfying—proof that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated.
Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes (or 4 ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
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Make the Tomato Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden (but not burnt!).
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan and stir. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, cook them down for a little longer until they break apart into a sauce.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.
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Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the pan with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
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Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch if you like a little extra flavor.
Enjoy the Flavor!
Pasta with Tomato Sauce is the kind of meal that fills you up and nourishes your soul. The combination of simple ingredients—sweet, tangy tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil—is timeless, and the dish always hits the spot. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch, this dish will always remind you of the beauty of simplicity.
