Pasta With Tomato And Basil Sauce
A flavorful pasta dish featuring a fresh tomato and basil sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, highlighting vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, cook garlic in olive oil for about 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and oregano to the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Cover and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and garnish with cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce while it simmers. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, consider using canned, diced tomatoes as a substitute. You can also swap basil with spinach for a different taste. For a heartier dish, mix in cooked vegetables or protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to complement the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta With Tomato And Basil Sauce with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments. For a more filling meal, pair it with Italian Style Chopped Sirloin, which complements the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Tomato And Basil Sauce contains roughly 87 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1829mg per serving (80% 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 use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Generally, use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For this recipe, 2 tablespoons of fresh basil would equate to about 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
What type of pasta works best for this sauce?
Spaghetti or ziti are excellent choices for this dish, as they hold the sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli, to make it your own.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This Pasta With Tomato And Basil Sauce is naturally vegan. Just omit any cheese garnish or use a vegan cheese alternative. For added protein, consider tossing in some chickpeas or lentils for a satisfying meal.
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).