Easy Tomato & Basil Pasta
An unfussy tomato sauce with garlic and basil that comes together while pasta cooks.
Sample recipe in development. Cooking times are estimates; kitchen testing is still pending.
A note on this recipe
The sauce simmers while the pasta cooks, keeping the sequence simple. Add the basil after turning off the heat so its fresh flavor stays distinct from the cooked garlic and tomato.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) dry spaghetti or penne
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ tsp salt, adjusted to taste
- ¼ cup fresh torn basil
- Grated Parmesan to finish, optional
How to make it
Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking water.
Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in garlic for 30–45 seconds without browning.
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, pepper flakes and salt. Simmer gently 12–15 minutes.
Toss drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until glossy.
Turn off heat, add basil and serve with Parmesan if you like.
Kitchen notes & substitutions
Loosen before serving
A little reserved pasta water helps the tomato sauce cling to the noodles. Add it in splashes, not all at once.
A useful variation
White beans or spinach make it more filling. The pasta water helps sauce cling to the noodles.
Storage & making ahead
Refrigerate promptly in a covered container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly with a splash of water.
For temperature guidance, see FoodSafety.gov.
Questions about this recipe
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. Cook the sauce in advance, refrigerate safely and boil pasta when ready to serve.
Easy Tomato & Basil Pasta
An unfussy tomato sauce with garlic and basil that comes together while pasta cooks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking water.
- Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in garlic for 30–45 seconds without browning.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, pepper flakes and salt. Simmer gently 12–15 minutes.
- Toss drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until glossy.
- Turn off heat, add basil and serve with Parmesan if you like.
Sample recipe, not yet kitchen-tested. Image illustrative.
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