Zesty Tomato Pasta Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Dinner Delight

Whipping up a classic tomato pasta brings pure comfort to any weeknight dinner table.

Fresh, ripe ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Vibrant red tomatoes create a sauce bursting with Mediterranean charm.

Simple techniques guarantee delicious results without complicated steps.

Herbs and garlic infuse each bite with incredible depth of flavor.

Italian cooking masters know the secret lies in quality ingredients and passion.

This recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure you’ll want to savor every single bite.

FAQs

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes. Just drain excess liquid and use good quality whole or diced tomatoes for the best flavor.

• How spicy will this pasta be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit completely. For more heat, increase the quantity to your taste.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This tomato pasta is vegetarian-friendly. The recipe uses only vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and optional Parmesan cheese (which can be substituted with a vegetarian Parmesan alternative).

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any medium-sized pasta like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti works well. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce nicely and provide a good texture to the dish.

Tomato Pasta: Why You’ll Return to This Comfort Food Again

• Super simple recipe with minimal ingredients that anyone can master, even beginner home chefs with zero professional cooking experience.
• Versatile dish allows personal tweaks like adding protein, changing herbs, or adjusting spice levels to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Warm, hearty pasta creation delivers classic comfort flavors that feel like a big, welcoming hug on stressful days, guaranteed to lift your mood.

Tomato Pasta: Every Ingredient for Savory Success

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this comforting dish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy tomatoes that create a rich and vibrant sauce base.
• Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to the pasta.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients work together to enhance the depth and complexity of the sauce's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Parmesan Cheese: The olive oil provides a smooth cooking medium, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty and creamy finish to the dish.

How to Bring This Tomato Pasta Recipe to Life

Step 1: Boil Pasta To Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and carefully add your pasta.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, following the package guidelines.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, letting it rest momentarily.

Step 2: Awaken The Garlic’s Magic

Grab a spacious skillet and pour in some olive oil.

Warm the oil over medium heat, then sprinkle in the minced garlic.

Stir and dance the garlic around the pan until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and just begins to turn golden, which takes about 60 seconds.

Step 3: Create A Saucy Symphony

Tumble in the chopped tomatoes, sprinkling in salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Let the sauce simmer and bubble gently, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the tomatoes break down and the sauce transforms into a rich, thick delight – this should take around 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Gently slide the cooked pasta into the simmering tomato sauce.

Toss everything together with tender care, ensuring each pasta strand gets a loving coating of the vibrant sauce.

Scatter fresh chopped basil leaves throughout, letting their aromatic essence mingle with the tomatoes.

Step 5: Final Flourish Of Flavor

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Shower the pasta with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-worthy creation.

Tips for Elevating the Sauce and Texture of Tomato Pasta

• Choose high-quality pasta like linguine or spaghetti for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Crush garlic instead of mincing for a more intense, robust flavor that infuses the entire sauce.
• Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for a brighter taste, or opt for San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic Italian touch.
• Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and bright green color.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a more intense, creamy finish that melts beautifully into the warm pasta.

How to Save and Reheat Tomato Pasta Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.
• Freeze pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

What to Serve With Tomato Pasta for a Balanced Meal

• Elevate Tomato Pasta Pairing Experience
• Uncork Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the richness of tomato sauce, enhancing the pasta's fresh herb notes with its citrusy undertones.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Complement the pasta's texture with warm, crispy garlic bread that absorbs the vibrant tomato sauce, creating a perfect side companion.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Add a peppery green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, providing a bright, refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
• Pour Chilled Prosecco: Sparkling Italian wine's bubbles and light acidity wonderfully cleanse the palate between bites, making each mouthful of tomato pasta feel bright and exciting.

Spin-Off Ideas to Refresh Your Tomato Pasta Routine

• Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles, chickpea pasta, or brown rice pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Tomato Tango: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan substitute to create a plant-based friendly recipe that maintains rich flavor.
• Protein Power Pasta: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes during the simmering stage to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Use spiralized vegetable noodles like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option.

Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory tomato pasta brings Italian countryside charm to your dinner table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes create a simple yet irresistible sauce you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or penne
• 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook pasta until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium flame. Gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its rich fragrance.
3. Introduce fresh chopped tomatoes into the skillet, complementing with a delicate blend of salt, ground black pepper, and zesty red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, transforming into a luscious, thickened sauce over 12-15 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the perfectly cooked pasta directly into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated. Incorporate freshly torn basil leaves, gently tossing to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Remove the skillet from heat, creating a final flourish by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese across the vibrant pasta. Serve immediately while still piping hot, capturing the essence of rustic Italian cuisine.

Notes

• Ensure water is generously salted to enhance pasta’s flavor before cooking, creating a more delicious base.
• Select ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum sweetness and depth in the sauce, transforming an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to add visual interest and catch more sauce in their ridges.
• Customize for dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta or replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg