Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce
A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring a fresh tomato sauce, aromatic basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, it highlights the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and herbs, appealing to both pasta lovers and those seeking a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in olive oil in a large nonstick skillet until golden.
- Add peeled and seeded tomatoes and simmer until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, basil, and oregano, then simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in salt and black pepper.
- Serve the sauce over hot, cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic while sautéing the onion. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work well; just adjust the salt. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Chicken Fettuccine for a more filling meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance the flavors. A refreshing Italian Bread Salad can complement the pasta well. For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be served alongside, enhancing the meal while keeping it simple.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce contains roughly 566 calories, with 16g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), iron (106% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2204mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option that adds more fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to become al dente.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, adding a small amount of tomato paste can also help thicken the sauce while enhancing its richness.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be less vibrant. Use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. You might also consider using fresh parsley or oregano for a different herbaceous note.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).