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–+ servings
Simple Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Discover the magic of Simple Pasta with Tomato Sauce Learn why this classic dish is a timeless favorite and how to make it perfectly at home
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Pasta, any shape
  • 2 pounds Fresh tomatoes or 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes
  • 4-6 cloves Garlic, minced or sliced
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil, good quality extra virgin
  • to taste Salt for pasta water and seasoning
  • 1 handful Fresh basil leaves
  • to taste Black pepper, freshly ground
  • to taste Red pepper flakes, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot or deep skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • (Optional) Immersion blender or regular countertop blender
  • (Optional) Pasta pot with a colander insert

Method
 

  1. Peel and mince your garlic cloves.
  2. If using fresh tomatoes, cut an X on the bottom of each, drop them in boiling water for about thirty seconds, then chop them after removing the skins.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it shimmers.
  4. Add garlic to the oil and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  5. Add tomatoes (fresh or canned with their juice) and a large pinch of salt.
  6. Bring to a bubble, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
  7. Stir occasionally and adjust thickness by adding reserved pasta water, if necessary.
  8. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, until desired thickness is reached.
  9. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
  10. Cook pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  11. Combine pasta with the sauce in the pan, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Choose good quality tomatoes for better flavor; use fresh when in season, or go for high-quality canned tomatoes. Fresh basil should be added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor. You can customize this recipe by adding cheese, butter, sugar, or various vegetables and proteins for additional flavor and nutrition. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
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