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Tomato Pasta Recipe: Fresh Italian Comfort at Home

A vibrant Italian-inspired pasta dish made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. This easy recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, perfect for cozy weeknights or family gatherings.
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Course: pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Author: Eva Stoner

Ingredients

  • 4 large ripe San Marzano tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti or penne)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until softened, 3-4 minutes.
  • Add chopped tomatoes and oregano. Simmer sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes, adding optional sugar only if tomatoes are overly tart.
  • Once pasta is cooked, drain but keep pasta in the pot. Pour sauce over pasta and toss, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky emulsion.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Use any ripe tomatoes if San Marzano are unavailable, but adjust cooking time to break down tart heirloom varieties.
For an optional extra, serve with halal chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 400mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g