Tomato Pasta Recipe:
omato Pasta in red sauce is one of the simplest and most comforting pasta dishes you can prepare at home. It’s not only quick and easy to make, but also incredibly satisfying, thanks to its rich, tangy tomato flavor and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe involves two main components: boiling pasta to al dente perfection and preparing a fresh, homemade red tomato sauce packed with flavor. The result is a delicious and hearty Italian-style dish that you can serve for lunch, dinner, or even a special weekend meal.
The recipe uses either penne or fusilli pasta and can be topped with your favorite cheese—be it Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta. Plus, it includes detailed steps for making the tomato sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, and basic seasonings.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients:
| 1½ cups Crude Penne Pasta or Fusilli Pasta |
| 1 teaspoon Oil, optional |
| Salt to taste |
| Tomato Pasta Sauce (made with approx. 6 large tomatoes) |
| Parmesan Cheese or Feta Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese, for embellishing (optional) |
Directions:
1. Start by boiling the pasta as per the instructions on the packaging. If your pasta doesn’t have specific instructions, follow the general method outlined below for best results.
2. Pour around 6 cups of water into a large pot or deep saucepan. Place it over medium heat and allow it to come to a rolling boil. Once it starts boiling, add the raw pasta to the water along with 1 teaspoon of oil and a teaspoon of salt. The oil helps prevent the pasta from sticking together, and the salt adds flavor.
3. Stir the pasta well after adding it to the pot. Continue boiling it uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, depending on the shape and size of the pasta. Stir occasionally during this process to ensure the pasta doesn’t clump or stick to the bottom of the pot.
4. To determine if the pasta is cooked, take one piece out and bite into it. If the center is still white and hard, it needs a few more minutes of cooking. If it’s slightly firm yet cooked through, it’s reached the perfect al dente texture. If you prefer softer pasta, continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after it reaches al dente.
5. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and carefully pour the contents into a colander or strainer placed in the sink. Drain the hot water completely. You can rinse the pasta with a bit of cold water if you want to stop the cooking process immediately, but it’s optional.
6. While the pasta is boiling, you can start making the tomato pasta sauce. For best results, follow a simple red sauce recipe using fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, herbs, and seasonings. Once the sauce is ready, transfer it to a separate large skillet or pan and heat it over medium flame.
7. Add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet containing the hot tomato sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure each piece of pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Let it cook together for 2–3 more minutes so that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
8. Once the pasta is evenly coated and heated through, turn off the flame. Transfer the prepared tomato pasta to individual serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or shredded mozzarella, if desired. Serve hot for the best experience.
Tips
- Use Ample Water: Always boil pasta in plenty of water to prevent it from sticking and to allow it enough room to cook evenly.
- Salt is Key: Don’t forget to add salt while boiling the pasta. It enhances the flavor right from the beginning.
- Test Before You Drain: Pasta cooking times vary depending on the type and brand. Always taste-test a piece before draining to ensure it’s cooked just the way you like.
- Drain Quickly: As soon as the pasta is cooked, drain it promptly to avoid overcooking. Leaving it in hot water too long will make it mushy.
Variations
- Add More Veggies: You can toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers (capsicum), mushrooms, or zucchini when mixing the sauce and pasta. This boosts both flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
- Protein Options: Add cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a more filling and protein-rich version.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a little fresh cream or a dollop of butter at the end for a rich, creamy texture.
- Herbs for Aroma: Add a few fresh basil leaves or dried Italian herbs (like oregano and thyme) while cooking the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Instead of just topping with cheese, mix shredded cheese into the pasta while it’s still hot so it melts and becomes extra gooey.
Taste: Mild tart with a delicate texture
Serving Ideas: Serve tomato pasta for supper. It is an idealize formula to engage visitors amid kids’ birthday parties. Pack it in the lunchbox and enchant your kids.