Comforting Tomato and Basil Pasta
A quick and satisfying pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a cozy blend of flavors perfect for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice) Choose a shape that hugs the sauce beautifully.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can Canned Tomatoes (28 oz can of crushed tomatoes) Opt for San Marzano if available for a better flavor.
- 1 cup Fresh Basil (loosely packed) Essential for elevating the flavors.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Adds depth and aroma.
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil Use extra virgin for more robust flavor.
- to taste Salt For enhancing flavors.
- to taste Pepper For enhancing flavors.
- for serving Parmesan Cheese Sprinkle on top before serving.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
Making the Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in half of your fresh basil.
Combining
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Mix well until every strand of pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with the remaining fresh basil and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Tip: Always use fresh basil for best flavor. Reserve pasta water for optimal sauce texture.