Use Tomatoes While Cheap
Unlock the full potential of summer’s bounty with "Use Tomatoes While Cheap," a delightfully simple one-pot pasta recipe that makes the most of ripe, juicy tomatoes at their peak. Perfectly blending fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of garlic, this dish brings authentic Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table in just 40 minutes. The magic happens as dried spaghetti cooks directly in a tomato-infused broth, creating a rich, silky sauce that clings to every strand. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes elevate the dish, while optional sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this budget-friendly recipe celebrates seasonal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
Wash and dice the tomatoes into small chunks. Mince the garlic and finely chop the yellow onion.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar (if the tomatoes are very acidic). Stir and cook the tomatoes for 5 minutes until they begin to break down and release their juices.
Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil.
Add the dried spaghetti into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add more water, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed to prevent sticking.
Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and stir them into the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan sprinkled on top. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
499 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.7 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 923 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.5 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.0 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 17.4 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 660 mg | 14% | |
*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.
