Go Back
+ servings
Easy Tomato Pasta

Discover the joy of Easy Tomato Pasta with simple recipes that save time and delight your family Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ripe tomatoes heirloom or regular
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup good olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream for creamy tomato pasta
  • to garnish fresh basil leaves optional

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large bowl for mixing tomatoes
  • Pan for cooking sauce
  • Baking dish For pasta bake

Method
 

  1. Dice the tomatoes into a large bowl.
  2. Add minced garlic, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt to the tomatoes; let it marinate at room temperature.
  3. Boil your pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
  4. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  5. Toss the drained pasta with the marinated tomato mixture.
  6. For creamy tomato pasta, stir in heavy cream after preparing the tomato sauce and let it cook together for 5 minutes.
  7. If using for a baked dish, mix undercooked pasta with the sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
  8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, optionally sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs.
  9. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor, especially in summer when they're in season. Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency and help it cling to the pasta. Experiment with different pasta types and add vegetables or proteins as desired. If you prefer a lighter version of creamy tomato pasta, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. For a make-ahead meal, you can assemble the baked pasta dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it's chilled.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!