There’s something magical about a pasta dish that can transform a mundane day into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Picture it: steaming noodles, drizzled with a rich sauce, and sprinkled with aromatic herbs that dance in the air, teasing your senses. Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more. It’s not just food; it’s a hug on a plate—a comforting embrace after a long day.
I remember the first time I made this pasta dish. I was attempting to impress my friends for our weekly dinner party, and little did I know, they would rave about it for years. The kitchen filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of garlic sautéing in olive oil—who could resist? Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe promises to be the star of any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious pasta dish is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Its rich flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors, it’s perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your favorite ingredients
Sharing this dish brought smiles and compliments from my friends that night, creating memories that still make me chuckle.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta: Choose your favorite type—spaghetti or penne work beautifully in this recipe.
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Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential; they add a punch of flavor that dried versions can’t match.
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Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for a rich base; crushed tomatoes are great too.
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Fresh Basil: Adds brightness; use it fresh rather than dried for maximum flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan—it makes all the difference in taste!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient’s natural flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Sauté Garlic and Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown—about two minutes—making sure not to let it burn or you’ll ruin everything.
Add Canned Tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juices. Use a wooden spoon to break them up gently as they simmer. Let them bubble away for about 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Season Your Sauce: Sprinkle salt and pepper into the sauce while tasting intermittently. Adjust seasoning as needed; trust your palate! Add fresh basil towards the end—let its aroma infuse the sauce beautifully.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain your pasta but reserve some cooking water. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy!: Plate your pasta generously onto bowls or plates and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired—and watch those smiles appear!
This fun pasta dish is sure to become one of your favorites! Enjoy it with family or friends while sharing laughter over good food!
You Must Know
- This pasta dish is all about balance; ensure your sauce complements the noodles
- Fresh ingredients elevate flavors, while a splash of pasta water adds creaminess
- The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil is an experience you won’t forget
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta; reserve some cooking water. Sauté your garlic and vegetables next, then mix everything together for a harmonious blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or available. Toss in some protein or herbs for added flair and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make this pasta dish truly shine, use high-quality olive oil for sautéing
- Under-salting your water can result in bland pasta, so remember to taste!
- Lastly, always reserve pasta water; it’s liquid gold for sauces
Cooking this pasta dish reminds me of my grandmother’s advice: “Always trust your nose.” That tip transformed many meals and helped create lasting memories around the dinner table.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Any pasta shape works well, but longer noodles like spaghetti absorb sauces beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit any meat and add more veggies or beans for protein.
How do I prevent overcooking the pasta?
Cook it al dente according to package instructions; it will continue cooking when mixed with hot sauce.
Pasta with Garlic and Tomato Sauce
Pasta dishes have an enchanting way of elevating a simple meal into a memorable feast. This delightful recipe features al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is quick to prepare and will have your guests raving for years. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan for an irresistible touch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add canned tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet and gently break them apart with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water as needed for consistency.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
