Easiest Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
Indulge in the comforting simplicity of the *Easiest Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce*, a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. This classic recipe combines tender spaghetti with a vibrant tomato basil sauce made from pantry staples like canned crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic sautéed in aromatic olive oil. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while freshly ground black pepper adds just the right hint of spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver when time is short but flavor is paramount. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness, and watch it become a family favorite. Try this effortless, crowd-pleasing pasta recipe today for a taste of Italian-inspired comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 4 liters water for cooking pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water (4 liters) to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining, then set the drained pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being cautious not to burn it.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the salt, sugar, and ground black pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the chopped basil leaves to the tomato sauce and stir. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
331 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.0 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 2382 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.0 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 12.0 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 523 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
